The Black Ships

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The Black Ships was the name given to the Mississippi, Plymouth, Saratoga, and Susquehanna, ships under the command of Commodore Matthew Perry that first arrived in Uraga Harbor. Because of the black smoke from coal-fired powerplants and the black color of these American ships, they were called called Kurohune (black-ships).

Because of Commodore Perry's superior military force, he was able to negotiate a treaty allowing American trade with Japan, ending the 200 year isolation period.

The following year, at the Convention of Kanagawa, Perry returned with seven ships and forced the Shogun to sign the "Treaty of Peace and Amity," establishing formal diplomatic relations between Japan and the United States. Within five years Japan had signed similar treaties with other western countries. The Harris Treaty was signed with the United States on July 29, 1858.

The surprise and confusion these ships brought are best described in this Senryu.

Jyokisen ippai-nonde yorumo-nemurezu

(I drank a cup of jyo-kisen(costly brand of tea), and now cannot sleep thinking about money I paid)

(Seeing many steam-powered ships(Jyoki-sen), they (samurai) must be having sleepless night thinking about what to do)