Black Ships in the Harbor

This is a detail from an 1854 scroll that was sent around Japan following the arrival of the American Commodore Perry and his fleet of Black Ships (Japanese term). It's satire, poking fun at Perry and the American war ships. Here's a more artsy, realistic version:

Here's an actual picture:

And here's a classy American drawing of ships (steam powered paddle boats, with sails - it was a confusing time in war ships) of the Fleet entering Tokyo harbor:

Perry's visit to Japan was all about whaling - rescuing lost sailors, buying coal and provisions, a little bit of trade with the whalers. Seems like no big deal, right? But aha! Cuz one thing led to another and here we are today:

Modern Japanese culture. Crazy in so many different ways, some good, some not. And it's all thanks to American influence. Japan was an ancient traditional culture pre WW2, and especially before 1854 - the American visit. But like with the rest of the "Western" world since WW2, America infected Japan with 1960's Hippie Power, and nothing's been the same since.

Sorry Japan.