In September 1960, the U.S. and Japan celebrated 100 years of diplomatic relations with a state dinner at the White House. Read the amusing story of the night, including 4-year-old Mary Jean's detour and the priceless antique chair.

In January 1860, the Tokugawa shogunate sent a delegation to the United States with the primary objective of ratifying the Treaty of Friendship, Commerce and Navigation (aka, the Harris Treaty). Commodore Matthew Perry (not Chandler) had opened Japan (forcefully) in 1854 and this was the first Japanese diplomatic mission sent to the United States. This historic event is particularly […]

In the hours before Pearl Harbor, Washington Post articles spoke of the failing negotiations between the U.S. and Japan. Read about the articles and President Roosevelt's dramatic move to prevent war. See his "Date Which Will Live in Infamy" speech and related articles.