Treaty of Shimoda
Chōraku-ji, Shimoda, Shizuoka, Japan
What happened
Admiral Yevfimy Putiatin for Russia and Japanese envoys including Kawaji Toshiakira signed the treaty. Russia sent Putiatin to Japan to agree trade and borders. While he was in Shimoda, an earthquake and tsunami destroyed most of the town and wrecked his ship. At the Chōraku-ji temple the two sides agreed a border running between the Kuril islands of Etorofu and Urup, and opened three ports to Russian ships.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It was the first treaty between Russia and Japan. Together with the Convention of Kanagawa, it ended Japan's long isolation.
What came next
Russian sailors and Japanese carpenters built a new ship, the Heda, to take Putiatin home. Japan copied its design, which helped start Western-style shipbuilding there.
Did you know?
Japan still cites this treaty in its dispute with Russia over the southern Kuril Islands.
Timeline
- 23 December 1854An earthquake and tsunami destroy most of Shimoda.
- 7 February 1855The Treaty of Shimoda is signed.
- 14 April 1855The schooner Heda is launched.
- 1875Treaty of Saint Petersburg.