Matthew C. Perry
US Navy Commodore who arrived in Edo Bay with four steam-powered warships on 8 July 1853, demanding Japan open to trade; returned in 1854 with a larger squadron and signed the Convention of Kanagawa on 31 March 1854, ending Japan's two-century policy of seclusion and initiating the process that culminated in the Meiji Restoration.
- Lived: 1794 CE – 1858 CE
- Nationality: US
- Roles: military_leader, diplomat
