Kurofune (Black Ships) and Opening of the Country
Start of foreign trade. From Edo Minato to the modern Tokyo Port.

Admiral Perry's Visit
In 1853 (Kaei 6), American missionary admiral Perry, leading four Kurofune (black ships: warships and a sailing ship), appeared off the coast of Uraga, Kanagawa, asking the shogunate for trade. The shogunate, after negotiations, opened ports to foreign countries, first of all in Shimoda and Hakodate, then Kanagawa, Nagasaki, Niigata, and Hyogo. There, Sakoku, or the isolation policy that lasted over 200 years, was ended and trade with foreign countries has started. Yokohama in Kanagawa which became the closest opening port in Edo has developed as a gateway of foreign trade of our country.

Figure of Perry Yokohama coming by ship
Owned by Tokyo Metropolitan Edo-Tokyo Museum.

Drawing of national steamship (Full cut)
Owned by Tokyo Metropolitan Edo-Tokyo Museum.


Admiral Perry Owned by Yokohama City Libraly