Questions about Iwakura Mission
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Who proposed the Iwakura Mission and what were its three main goals?
Guido Verbeck, a Dutch missionary and engineer stationed in Japan, proposed the diplomatic voyage that became known as the Iwakura Mission. The Japanese government accepted this proposal with three clear goals: seeking international recognition for Emperor Meiji, beginning preliminary renegotiation of unequal treaties, and making a comprehensive study of modern industrial, political, military, and educational systems across the United States and Europe.
When did the Iwakura Mission depart from Yokohama and when did it return?
The group set sail from Yokohama on December 23rd of 1871 aboard a vessel bound for San Francisco. They eventually reached Yokohama again on September 13th of 1873 nearly two full years after departing initially.
Who led the Iwakura Mission delegation and who served as private secretary?
Iwakura Tomomi served as extraordinary and plenipotentiary ambassador leading the entire delegation. Historian Kume Kunitake acted as private secretary to Iwakura Tomomi and kept detailed records throughout the journey which later formed the basis for an official publication released in five volumes under the title Tokumei Zenken Taishi Bei-O Kairan Jikki in 1878.
Which countries did the Iwakura Mission visit during its tour of Europe and America?
The mission visited the United States including Boston, New York, Washington D.C., Salt Lake City, Chicago, and San Francisco before arriving at Liverpool on August 17th of 1872. France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Prussia, Denmark, Sweden, Austria, Italy, and Switzerland all received official visits during the first half of 1873 while the return journey included stops in Egypt, Aden, Ceylon, Singapore, Saigon, Hong Kong, and Shanghai.
Why did the Iwakura Mission fail to revise unequal treaties despite extending their stay?
Despite these efforts failing to revise existing unequal treaties, the experience provided strong impetus for future modernization initiatives upon their eventual return to Japan. Critics argued some members exceeded their mandate while attempting negotiations under better conditions with foreign governments yet favorable impressions gained from observing industrial modernization created strong momentum for similar initiatives back home.