This Day in History – March 31, 1854 Tags: 19th century American history, Black Ships, Commodore Matthew Perry, cultural exchange, diplomatic milestones, Edo period, end of Sakoku, gunboat diplomacy, Historical Documents, Japan-US relations, Japanese history, Kanagawa Convention, March 31 1854, March 31 1854 history, maritime, Millard Fillmore, national seclusion policy, opening of Japan, Pacific expansion, Shimoda and Hakodate ports, this day in history, This Day in History March 31, Tokugawa Shogunate, trade relations, Treaty of Kanagawa, world history, Share on: Share: This is where the text will go.View our photo collection! View Collection