Translation guide
Refers to the 1864 military campaign by Western powers against the Chōshū domain in Shimonoseki, Japan. In Japanese, it is typically called 下関戦争 (Shimonoseki War) or 四国艦隊下関砲撃事件 (Bombardment of Shimonoseki by the Four-Nation Fleet).
Referring to the 1864 military action by Western powers against Chōshū domain at Shimonoseki.
Standard Japanese term for the Shimonoseki campaign. Literally 'Shimonoseki War'. Widely understood and used in general contexts.
下関戦争は1864年に起きた。
The Shimonoseki campaign occurred in 1864.
Formal historical term meaning 'Bombardment of Shimonoseki by the Four-Nation Fleet'. Used in academic or detailed historical writing.
The Shimonoseki campaign is often discussed in the context of the Bakumatsu period and the decline of the Tokugawa shogunate. When explaining the event in Japanese, it may be helpful to mention the participating nations (Britain, France, Netherlands, United States) and the Chōshū domain's earlier attacks on foreign ships.
四国艦隊下関砲撃事件は、幕末の重要な出来事である。
The Bombardment of Shimonoseki by the Four-Nation Fleet is an important event of the late Edo period.
Shorter form meaning 'Bombardment of Shimonoseki'. Often used in headlines or when context is clear.
下関砲撃の後、長州藩は攘夷を断念した。
After the bombardment of Shimonoseki, the Chōshū domain abandoned the expulsion of foreigners.