The first Japanese delegation to the U.S. included 77 representatives led by three samurai.
Gunboat Diplomacy
In 1853, American Commodore Matthew Perry led a small squadron of U.S. Navy warships to Tokyo Bay with the goal of establishing relations with Japan.
Perry meant to use force if the nation refused, but the Japanese had already determined to negotiate a treaty, and no shots were fired.
The expedition laid the groundwork for a trade agreement between the United States and Japan. The use or threat of military force to advance foreign policy objectives became known as “gunboat diplomacy.”
FROM THE COLLECTION
1860 Japanese Embassy Medal
Why do Diplomats Give Gifts?
Gifts are symbolic reminders of the friendships between nations and leaders. Diplomats give and receive gifts to show respect and cultivate relationships. Carefully chosen gifts honor the recipient and reflect the essence of a nation, its culture, and people.
Trading with Japan
In the 1850s, after more than 200 years of self-imposed isolation, Japan opened up to trade dialogues with the United States and western Europe.
The first Japanese delegation to the United States arrived in Washington, D.C. in 1860. They delivered a trade agreement, negotiated by Commodore Matthew Perry, which opened select Japanese ports to American trade.
The Japanese diplomats met with Secretary of State Lewis Cass and President James Buchanan, whom they presented with lavish gifts of state.
The landmark treaty they signed remained in place for 40 years and fostered an economic partnership that continues today.
President [Buchanan] invited all the principal people in Washington…thus recognizing the fact that we were not his guests alone, but the guests of the nation as a whole.”
Muragaki Norimasa, 1860, Vice Envoy, Japanese Embassy