02-25-2026 The Diplomacy of Gift Exchange: During the 1853-1854 Perry Expedition to Japan with Matthew C. Perry

Wednesday, February 25
121 Bay State Road, Boston MA

VIDEO RECORDING

Formal relations between the United States and Japan began with Commodore Matthew C. Perry’s expedition to Japan in 1853-1854. Rhode Island native Perry, America’s greatest naval diplomat as well as father of the American steam navy, brought significant technology, arts, food and spirit gifts to Japan and received gifts in return from the Japanese. The importance of gift exchange as the basis for social relations, especially in the context of diplomacy, will be examined by Perry descendant and family historian Matthew C. Perry.

Dr. Matthew C. Perry is from Rhode Island, where as a child he obtained an early interest in his ancestor, Commodore Matthew C. Perry, who negotiated a treaty of peace and amity between Japan and the United States in 1854.  This background created a love for Japan and a desire to visit and learn.  After college, he served in the U.S. Navy aboard a ship in the western Pacific Ocean during the Vietnam War and made two trips to Japan.  He then began a career in wildlife research and worked for the US government for 40 years.  Dr. Perry retired in 2011 and presently is an emeritus scientist.  He remains active as an author of wildlife conservation history.

Dr. Perry also writes articles and lectures about family history, including his ancestor, Commodore Matthew C. Perry.  In recent years he has traveled to Japan thirteen times as part of cultural exchange programs and has lectured on most trips.  He also serves on several boards dealing with Japan/America relations and cultural exchanges.  He is a Founder Board Member of Rivers of the World Foundation and has lectured in India and the Philippines.  He enjoys traveling and has organized and led Eco-tours to 14 different countries on four continents.