The Perry Expedition, led by Commodore Matthew Perry, made a significant entry into Edo Bay in July 1853 with a clear mission: to establish trade relations between the United States and Japan. Perry's fleet, consisting of four ships, was the first foreign naval presence to visit Japan in over two centuries, as Japan had been in a state of self-imposed isolation since the early 17th century. The Japanese government, during this time, adhered to the Sakoku policy, which restricted foreign interactions and prohibited Japanese citizens from traveling abroad. This policy was motivated by a desire to maintain social order and resist colonial influences.

Upon arrival, the American fleet was met with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension from the local populace and authorities. Commodore Perry presented a letter from President Millard Fillmore, emphasizing the benefits of trade and friendship between the U.S. and Japan. His well-coordinated show of military strength was pivotal in persuading the Japanese officials to consider the proposal seriously. Perry's tactics included the use of steam-powered warships, which represented cutting-edge technology compared to Japan's traditional wooden vessels. This demonstration of advanced maritime capability played a crucial role in eliciting a response from the Japanese government.

The expedition culminated in a significant diplomatic approach, laying the groundwork for future treaties. Perry's visit ultimately led to the signing of the Treaty of Kanagawa in 1854, which opened Japanese ports to American ships and marked the beginning of Japan's gradual integration into the global economy. Perry's expedition is thus recognized not only for its immediate outcomes but for its long-term implications on Japanese society and international relations in East Asia.