[bluepizza]

Isolation lasted only 260 years, and ended more than 150 years ago.

Explaining luxury combs because of sakoku is a bit absurd. It's akin to explaining luxury handbags due to the vikings invasions.

[Terr_]

The handbag comparison came to mind for me too: We don't usually look for a big ethnic/culture explanations for European designer handbag manufacturers.

Though perhaps watchmaking is an exception.

[reallymental]

I think you're underestimating the effect of "only 260" years of isolationism. They must have learnt to be self sufficient in many ways, not only in commerce.