This program explored the 150th anniversary of the Meiji-era mission between Japan and the United States in 1872. This mission began the search for Western wisdom from the rising Japan, and marked the beginning diplomatic negotiations. Spanning 12 countries in 632 days, the effort was critical to Japan becoming a modern and industrial powerhouse.

Harry Sakamaki is a member of the Penn’s Village Inclusiveness and Diversity Committee and works to raise awareness of discrimination against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in Philadelphia. He is also a member of the Pennsylvania Historical Society, Japan American Society of Greater Philadelphia and Japanese Association of Philadelphia.