Collection
Betsudan Zonjiyorigaki Shitagaki (Draft of Proposal to the Japan-U.S. Relationship in the Future)
| Betsudan Zonjiyorigaki Shitagaki (Draft of Proposal to the Japan-U.S. Relationship in the Future) |
| Important Cultural Properties designated by the Japanese government By Ii Naosuke (1815-1860) Sheet, ink on paper Edo period, dated 8th month of Kaei 6 (1853) Gift of Ii Family |
This document is a proposal pertaining to foreign policy, submitted to Tokuga shogunete by Naosuke, 13th head of Ii family, following the departure of Matthew Perry’s fleet from Edo Bay. Naosuke argues for avoiding war with the West, for building the country’s navigational and naval battle capabilities to compete with foreign powers, and for reinstating an isolation policy should the need arise.
