Commodore Perry and Japan (1853-1854) Asia for Educators. Columbia University. On July 8, 1853, Commodore Matthew Perry of the United States Navy, commanding a squadron of two steamers and two sailing vessels, sailed into Tôkyô harbor aboard the frigate Susquehanna.
The new environment allowed for an exchange of new foods like corn. Crops that were grown the Americas and vice versa were able to be shared between two cultures.
