M.C. Perry and Japan (XX)

At this moment Perry was successful in obtaining the concessions he needed from the Japanese and he had overcome the most difficult part of his mission. Trust and friendship began to develop. Later, the Japanese invited Perry to the treaty house to receive some gifts which included specimens rich brocades and silks, some porcelain cups, some Japanese coins, three matchlocks, two swords and 200 sacks of rice.1 Perry was also invited to see the wrestling game. On March 25, Yenosuke and his assistant interpreter Kenzeiro visited the Powhatan to informally talk about the future treaty. Yenosuke said that Hakodate might be ready for the American ships by March 1855. As for Shimoda, Perry said he considered that the port was opened as soon as he received a favourable report of it from his men who were making a survey on it. Near the end of the meeting, the establishment of an American consular agent in Japan was discussed. It was finally decided that he should reside at Shimoda.2 On March 27, Perry entertained the Japanese commissioners on board. It was a big feast. The five Japanese commissioners were entertained at the cabin of Perry with a very handsome banquet while their subordinate officials, amounting to about 60 men were entertained at the quarter-deck with all kinds of good food. Also accompanying Perry in the cabin included the four captains of Perry's, Mr. Williams, and Japanese interpreter Yenosuke. During the banquet, it was the Japanese who took the lead in proposing healths and toasts. "They kept shouting at the top of their voices, and were heard far above the music of the bands that enlivened the entertainment by a succession of brisk and cheerful tunes."3 (to be continued)

Notes:
1. Perry, Matthew Calbraith ed. by Sidney Wallach. Narrative of the Expedition of an American Squadron to the China Seas and Japan. NY: Coward-McCann, 1952, page 187.
2. Ibid., page 196.
3. Ibid., page 199.