Laksman, Adam

Born 1766; died after 1796. Head of the first Russian mission to Japan.

The purpose of Laksman’s mission (1792–93) was to establish trade relations between Russia and Japan, whose government had pursued a policy since the 17th century of isolating the country from the outside world. Laksman received permission from the Japanese authorities to visit the port of Nagasaki with one Russian vessel in order to conduct trade negotiations with the local officials. During its stay in Japan, Laksman’s mission familiarized itself with the occupations and customs of the population on the island of Hokkaido and collected artifacts and other materials.