Kanrin Maru

ship

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June 30, 2026

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The Kanrin Maru was the first Japanese ship to sail to the West in 1860. This voyage, commanded by Count Katsu Kaishū, brought him to the United States. Katsu Kaishū was a significant figure in Japanese naval reform and played a role in the Meiji Restoration, which restored power to the emperor. The Kanrin Maru's journey occurred after the Treaty of Kanagawa, Japan's first treaty with a Western nation, signed in 1854 following pressure from U.S. Commodore Matthew C. Perry. This treaty ended Japan's period of seclusion and opened ports to U.S. ships.12

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Count Katsu Kaishū
…was appointed to command the Kanrin Maru, the first Japanese ship to sail to the West (1860). The voyage took him to the United States, and after his return to Japan he worked to modernize the Japanese navy and develop the country’s coastal defenses. He also became the leader of…
Read More
…was appointed to command the Kanrin Maru, the first Japanese ship to sail to the West (1860). The voyage took him to the United States, and after his return to Japan he worked to modernize the Japanese navy and develop the country’s coastal defenses. He also became the leader of…
Read More