Monument to Perry's Landing, Memorial monument in Kurihama, Japan.
The Monument to Perry's Landing is a granite memorial in Kurihama that honors the arrival of United States Navy Commodore Matthew Perry to Japan. It stands in Perry Park and displays inscriptions documenting this important historical encounter.
In July 1853, Commodore Perry landed at Kurihama and delivered President Fillmore's letter urging Japan to end its policy of isolation. This event became a turning point that ultimately led to Japan's opening to the Western world.
The monument's inscription was written by Hirobumi Ito, Japan's first Prime Minister, marking the beginning of formal diplomatic relations between Japan and the United States. This written record remains visible and accessible to visitors today, serving as a tangible connection to that diplomatic turning point.
The memorial stands in Perry Park, which also houses the Perry Memorial Museum featuring historical artifacts and dioramas from the period. The location is easily accessible and allows visitors to explore both the monument and museum during a single visit.
During World War II, the monument was toppled in February 1945 but survived the destruction, leading to its later restoration. This durability makes it a significant symbol that endured despite the chaos and damage of war.
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