Convention

Convention of Kanagawa

Perry Fleet Japan Expeditionary Statement (Vol.1, Office Miyazaki / Translation and Composition, Institute of Glory Education and Culture / Publishing, Glory / Release Source, 1997.10) to the status of the conclusion of the treaty on March 31, and citation of the text of the treaty.

Thus, on Friday, March 31, 1854, the Admiral went to the Convention Hall with his usual attendants, signed three copies of the treaty in English as soon as they arrived, and handed them to the committee members along with three copies of Dutch and Chinese translations certified by U.S. interpreter Williams and Portman. At the same time, on behalf of the government, the Japanese Commissioner handed three copies of the treaty, written in Japanese, Chinese and Dutch, to the Admiral. It contained the signatures of the four members chosen by the Emperor.

The following is an approved treaty.

The United States of America and the Japanese Empire wish to establish a firm and lasting sincere fellowship with the private sector of both countries, and, through a treaty or a general agreement, have decided to clearly define the rules that should be mutually protected when the two countries are dating in the future. For this highly desirable purpose, the President of the United States gave full power to Matthew Carbrace Perry, the Special Ambassador of Japan, as a member, and the great prince of Japan also gave full power to President Hiroshi Hayashi, Mamoru Izawa, and Shosuke Udonominbe.

In addition, the members mentioned above exchanged full authority, examined the aforementioned matters appropriately, and then decided on the following matters.

Article 1

Between the United States of America, the Japanese Empire, and both people, there shall be a complete and permanent universal peace and a sincere and friendly peace with no exception in personality or place.

Article 2

Shimoda Port in Izu country and Hakodate Port in Matsumae territory shall be permitted by Japanese as ports for accepting United States ships. In these two ports, as long as the Japanese have it, they can receive the supply of firewood, food, coal and other necessary supplies. Shimoda Port shall be opened immediately after the signing of this treaty, and Hakodate Port shall be opened immediately after tomorrow in the Japanese calendar.

Provided, however, that the price list of goods to be provided shall be passed by the Japanese officials and the payment shall be made in gold or silver.

Article 3

If a U.S. vessel is grounded or wrecked on the coast of Japan, the Japanese ship shall rescue the vessel, escort its crew to Shimoda or Hakodate, and hand it over to the people who were assigned to receive their personal status. Similarly, all goods owned by the refugee shall be returned, and the expenses incurred during the rescue and support of Americans and Japanese launched on any shore of either country shall not be reimbursed.

Article 4

The victims and other citizens of the United States shall be as free as in other countries and shall not be confined, but shall comply with fair laws.

Article 5

The victims and other citizens of the United States who temporarily reside in Shimoda and Hakodate shall have the freedom to go to a free place within 7 miles (village) of Japan from one Kojima in Shimoda Port, as depicted in the attached drawing, without being bound or confined as Dutch and Chinese in Nagasaki. Similarly, in Hakodate, the United States Fleet shall have the freedom to go to a free place to the extent specified after visiting the land.

Article 6

Any other necessary items or any work that requires an arrangement shall be deliberated carefully between the parties in order to determine such matters.

Article 7

A U.S. vessel calling at an open port may exchange gold, silver coins and goods with other goods in accordance with the rules provisionally set forth by the Government of Japan for this purpose. However, vessels in the United States shall be able to bring back any goods that the Japanese do not want to exchange.

Article 8

Firewood, food, coal and necessary goods shall be procured only by the circumference of Japanese officials appointed for this purpose, not by any other method.

Article 9

On another day, if the Government of Japan allows the United States and its citizens tolerate the same privileges and benefits not tolerated to the United States and its citizens under this Convention to any other nation or nation, without any delay or delay.

Article 10

We do not permit U.S. vessels to come to Japanese ports other than Shimoda and Hakodate, except in the event of distress or stormy weather.

Article 11

If any of the governments of both countries deem it necessary, after 18 months from the date of signing the Convention, the Government of the United States may appoint a consul or an agent stationed in Shimoda at any time.

Article 12

If this agreement is negotiated and agreed upon, the citizens and subjects of the United States of America and Japan, as well as both countries, shall faithfully comply with it as obligations. Furthermore, with the consultation and consent of the Senate, it shall be ratified by the President of the United States and ratified by the dignity of Japan. The ratification shall be exchanged within 18 months from the date of signing or, if possible, earlier.

To prove the above, we, that is, the all members of the United States of America and the Japanese Empire, have signed this document.

The Lord Jesus Christ, March 31, 1854, in Kanagawa, March 3, 1854.