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WITHIN recent times our historical perspective has been directed to various Eastern cultures, especially to the decline of colonialism and the growth of nationalism. Formerly the East was regarded as having little relation to the history of the Western world.

Japan has often been mentioned as one of the colonial powers, but that has caused some distortion. A study of this nation usually begins with the inception of Christianity there during the 16th century and the opening of its ports to Commodore Perry in the 1850's.

In underscoring the importance of Perry's mission there is a tendency to overlook other influences, some of which may provide a valuable perspective for assessing economic crises which beset mankind.

In the early part of the 17th century Japan was a developing nation. Prior to that period the culture and customs had been influenced by the Chinese in much the same way as, centuries later, they were shaped predominantly by western technology. Trade, cultural exchange, and normal channels of international communication almost ground to a halt, and isolationism became the official policy when Japan became a "closed country." This period, known as Sakoku, introduced an era of peace, equivalent to the Pax Romana, but it was also a time of economic and cultural stagnation.

Prior to this the samurai (farmers and warriors) had been at the top of the pyramid. The prowess of military men was extravagantly praised and dramatized, and the proud fighters, trapped by their vanity, began to spend less time on the land. But with the long reign of peace their military roles too were minimized, and little by little the once mighty samurai became dependent on the ruling powers who had cannily obtained control of their land. Thus the "sakoku" which closed the borders of the country, combined with the monopolization of land by a few families, produced a feudalistic state which extended over several centuries.

Japan was primarily an agricultural state, and the leader, or shogun, was aware that land distribution would have a direct influence on the accumulation of wealth and would affect his dictatorial policies. But while the nation was ruled by an emperor, the seat of political power was vested in clans and families who fought to gain control, and it was the Tokugawas who eventually maintained the policy of sakoku.

About thirty percent of the production of rice, the major commodity, was controlled by the Tokugawa family (ownership was measured in productivity, not acres). The environs of Edo and Kyoto, two of the larger cities, as well as extensive mining areas, were included in their holdings, thus they commanded solid political control. Since it was necessary for the family to enjoy a steady flow of riches in order to provide for elegant upkeep and to impress certain segments of society, land ownership was a paramount concern.

This pattern of development resembles somewhat the growth of the West where political and economic power rested with those who controlled the soil, and the landless became their dependents.