Convention of Kanagawa
Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
What happened
Commodore Matthew C. Perry of the United States and Hayashi Akira for Japan's Tokugawa shogunate signed the treaty. For about 220 years Japan had limited contact with foreign countries. Perry arrived with warships in 1853 and returned in 1854 with a larger fleet to demand an agreement. The treaty opened the ports of Shimoda and Hakodate to American ships and promised help for shipwrecked sailors.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It ended Japan's long policy of seclusion. Because it was signed under the threat of force, it caused anger inside Japan.
What came next
Similar treaties followed with Britain, Russia and France, and a 1858 trade treaty gave foreigners more rights. The anger helped lead to the Meiji Restoration.
Did you know?
The treaty was signed at what is now Port Opening Square in Yokohama, next to the Yokohama Archives of History.
Timeline
- 8 July 1853Perry's ships arrive at Uraga.
- 13 February 1854Perry returns with a larger fleet.
- 31 March 1854The Convention of Kanagawa is signed.
- 2 June 1859The Port of Yokohama officially opens.