Dutch warn Japanese that the British would soon be arriving to demand trading rights. American gunboats commanded by Commodore Matthew C. Perry arrive in Edo Harbor to demand a trade agreement. Hotta Masayoshi replaces Abe as chief elder. Hotta submits treaty to Emperor Komei , who rejects it. Hotta resigns, and is succeeded by Ii Naosuke , who signs the treaty in spite of imperial opposition.
Similar treaties follow with Britain, the Netherlands, Russia, and France.
Ii orders those who speak out against the treaty thrown in jail. Imperial loyalists from Mito domain assassinate Ii Naosuke. Marriage between Shogun Iemochi and Emperor Komei s sister. Bakufu agrees to abolish sankin kotai system, and to bring in reformist daimyo as special advisors. Emperor Komei orders forcible expulsion of foreigners, but only Choshu domain complies.