Dejima was an artificial island built in 1636 in Nagasaki Bay for foreign traders, as foreigners were barred from the country. It actually housed also Portuguese and Chinese traders and was a vital porthole through which culture, money, goods, and ideas flowed in and out of Japan. This museum has several interesting exhibits. One is an outdoor, miniature replica of the original town. There is also the Dejima Theater with a collection of images and artifacts associated with Dejima history; another building which houses artifacts; and the main plaza, where a Dutch flag flies.