The Port of Yokohama, which has the largest deep-water port in Tokyo Bay, was formally opened to foreign trade on July 1, 1859, and eventually developed into the largest trading port in Japan. Notably, U.S. Navy Commodore Matthew C. Perry played a significant part in opening up the borders, and in the cultural exchange and economic development of Japan, transforming Japan into the cultural and economic powerhouse it is today.
Since the beginning of the 17th century, the Tokugawa Shogunate pursued a policy of isolation from outside influences, but in 1853, Commodore Matthew C. Perry was sent by President Millard Fillmore, with a fleet of black warships, to negotiate the opening of Japanese ports to American trade.
Perry arrived offshore at Uraga, the entrance to Tokyo Bay, on July 8, 1853 and landed at Kurihama, near to the Port of Yokohama. He handed a letter from the U.S. President to the Shogun and returning a year later on March 31, 1854, concluded the Treaty of Peace and Amity at Yokohama, marking the beginning of diplomatic relationship between Japan and the U.S. The Treaty effectively ended Japan’s 220-year-old policy of national seclusion with the establishment of a U.S. consul general position.
The first U.S. consul general to Japan, Townsend Harris, began negotiation for a commercial treaty in 1856. In 1858, Japan and the U.S. signed the Treaty of Amity and Commerce, thus opening up the way for similar treaties with Russia, France, Britain, and the Netherlands, and beginning a new era of cultural exchange and economic development.
With the opening of the Port of Yokohama to the West, Japan saw a large numbers of foreign visitors, including prominent businessmen, scientists, artists, athletes, students and tourists, which deeply influenced all levels of society. Conversely, the foreigners were also able to experience first-hand the beauty of Japanese culture. Famous personalities which passed through the Port included Babe Ruth, Charlie Chaplin, and Helen Keller. On the other hand, Japanese were also able to travel overseas through the Port, and they brought back western systems, technologies and cultures.
Arrival of Perry: Watershed moment in Japan’s history
Perry played a pivotal role in shaping the relationship between the U.S. and Japan during the mid-19th century. His historic expedition to Japan in 1853 was a watershed moment which marked the beginning of a new era of cultural exchange and diplomatic engagement between the two nations, laying the foundation for a relationship that would have lasting consequences for both countries.
Perry’s arrival signaled a dramatic shift in the country’s approach to foreign relations and marked the beginning of a period of rapid modernization and engagement with the West. With the Treaty of Peace and Amity, which was a breakthrough in Japan’s foreign policy at the time, the Japanese government signaled a willingness to engage with the international community and embrace new ideas, technologies, and trade opportunities from the West.
In addition to his diplomatic achievements, Perry’s mission had a profound impact on cultural exchange between the U.S. and Japan by introducing the Japanese people to Western ideas, technology, and customs. Perry’s technologically advanced steamships and military arsenal showcased the military and industrial power of the U.S., capturing the imagination of the Japanese people and inspiring them to learn more about Western science, engineering, and culture.
Moreover, Perry’s mission helped to stimulate interest in the U.S. and American culture among the Japanese population, leading to the establishment of educational exchanges, language programs, and cultural initiatives that promoted mutual understanding and friendship between the two nations. American influence began to permeate Japanese society, leading to the adoption of Western ideas, values, and institutions in areas such as education, industry, and governance.
The impact can also be seen in the arts and literature of the time. The encounter with Western culture and ideas inspired Japanese artists and writers to explore new themes, techniques, and styles in their creative works, leading to the development of a vibrant artistic movement known as yōga (Western-style painting) and the incorporation of Western literary elements into Japanese literature.
Furthermore, the cultural exchange helped to break down stereotypes, prejudices, and misunderstandings between America and Japan, fostering a sense of mutual respect, curiosity, and friendship between the two nations. Through shared experiences, conversations, and interactions, individuals from both countries were able to overcome cultural barriers and forge connections based on common interests, values, and aspirations.
The legacy of Perry’s mission can be seen in the enduring friendship and partnership that exists between the U.S. and Japan today. The diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties fostered by Perry’s expedition laid the foundation for a strong and mutually beneficial relationship between the two nations, characterized by cooperation, collaboration, and shared values. The exchange of ideas, people, and products between the U.S. and Japan continues to enrich both societies and contribute to the global community.
The Nippon Maru, a former training vessel permanently docked at the Yokohama Habor.
A melting pot of many cultures
The Port of Yokohama is a crucial hub of trade, commerce, and transportation, serving as gateways for goods, people, and ideas to flow between different regions and cultures. However, the Port also offers a unique and dynamic space for cultural exchange, dialogue, and collaboration among diverse communities and cultures, with the ability to foster understanding, diversity, and connection among people from various backgrounds.
One of the key ways in which the Port facilitates cultural exchange is through the movement of people. When it was first opened to foreigners in 1859, the Port attracted a diverse range of residents, visitors, and migrants seeking economic opportunities, adventure, or refuge. The constant influx of new arrivals brought fresh perspectives, languages, and traditions to the local community, enriching the social fabric of the port city and creating a dynamic environment for cultural exchange to thrive.
As a gateway to the world, the Port provides opportunities for individuals to connect, interact, and celebrate the richness of human diversity through art, music, cuisine, and storytelling. At the heart lies a microcosm of global society, where individuals from diverse cultural, linguistic, and ethnic backgrounds converge, interact, and collaborate on a daily basis.
The Port of Yokohama is a melting pot of cultures, where seafarers, traders, workers, and travelers from different parts of the world come together to exchange goods, stories, and traditions. This rich diversity creates a vibrant tapestry of cultural expressions, customs, and practices that contribute to the unique identity of the Yokohama port city.
Even now in the contemporary context of globalization and interconnectedness, the Port of Yokohama continues to play a vital role in promoting cultural exchange, understanding, and cooperation. As a node in the global network of trade, communication, and transportation, the Port serves as vital arteries that connect people, communities, and nations across borders and oceans, which can lead to greater understanding and appreciation of the world’s diverse cultures.
All photos credit: Lee Liang Ying
Top photo: The Yokohama Port Museum.
