"Commodore Perry and the Opening of Japan (1853-1854)"
by John W. Dower
Number one in the "Visualizing Japan" Web series
On July 8, 1853, residents of feudal Japan beheld an astonishing sight—foreign warships entering their harbor under a cloud of black smoke. Commodore Matthew Perry had arrived to force the long-secluded country to open its doors.
EXHIBIT TOUR
John Dower tours the Black Ships & Samurai Exhibit.
BLACK SHIP SCROLL
A lively caricature of Perry's expedition in a Japanese scroll
(animation, silent).
MIT MEETS BROADWAY
Exhibit for Sondheim musical "Pacific Overtures" at Studio 54
(animation, silent).