5¢ Opening of Japan stamp

The 5¢ Opening of Japan stamp (#1021) honors the 100th anniversary of Commodore Perry’s negotiations with Japan. It was issued on July 14, 1953, in Washington DC. This negotiation opened Japan to trade after 200 years of isolation. This stamp features Commodore Perry’s ships in Tokyo Bay and Mt. Fuji is in the background. A portrait of Commodore Perry is in the upper right corner.

On April 10, 1794, Matthew Perry was born in Rhode Island. His father was a navy captain so he was accustomed to navy life. At the age of 15, he became a midshipman aboard the USS Revenge under his brother’s command. Perry also served on the USS President where he was an aide to the Commodore and took part in a battle during the War of 1812. He served on other ships in the Mediterranean and was even offered a commission with the Imperial Russian Navy but he declined the offer.

Perry took command of the USS Shark in 1821 and sailed to Key West, FL in order to claim Key West as a US territory. After that, commanded the USS Concord. He served as the second officer of the NY Navy Yard and then became Captain. He believed that naval education was extremely important and pushed for an apprentice system to train new sailors. He also created the course of study at the US Naval Academy and is called the “Father of the Steam Navy.” He commanded the USS Mississippi during the Mexican-American War and led the force in taking San Juan Bautista.

Perry’s biggest accomplishment is when President Millard Filmore sent him to Japan to open relations. On July 8, 1853, Commodore Matthew Perry led four steamships into Tokyo Bay and the Japanese were very impressed with these giant steamships. The Japanese had never seen these ships before and called them “giant dragons puffing smoke.”

After arriving in Japan, Perry demanded that he be allowed to present the President’s letter to the emperor but his requests were denied. Perry opened fire on several buildings with his cannons and when the Japanese realized they couldn’t fight these weapons, they allowed Perry to land. He gave the emperor many gifts including a steam locomotive model, a telegraph, and a telescope. He hoped that these would show the Japanese how superior American culture was and encourage them to be open to trade.

The next year, both countries signed a treaty establishing peace between the US and Japan. It also called for opening two ports to the US, help, and protection for US ships stranded in the area, and allowing US ships to buy supplies, coal, and water in these ports.

Classroom Activities:

• How many states made up the US in 1794? Draw a map of these states.
• Describe one of the following ships and draw a picture of it: USS Revenge, USS President, USS Shark, USS Mississippi,
• What caused the War of 1812? Draw a poster or a brochure sharing these causes.
• What caused the Mexican-American War? Draw a poster or a brochure sharing these causes.
• What do you think President Millard Fillmore’s letter said? Pretend you are President Fillmore and write your letter to the Japanese.

References:
https://www.mysticstamp.com/Products/United-States/1021/USA/
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Matthew-C-Perry