Can you believe that the American song "Yankee Doodle" is the music that played at the start of the revolution that lead to an Imperial Japan?

‘Yankee Doodle" is a song from prerevolutionary America. The British used it to mock the American Colonists. Then the Americans turned around and proudly claimed the song as their own.

Fast-forward to 1853…

American Admiral Perry went on a mission to Japan to force a trade treaty upon them. He was aboard a black steam frigate.

On July 8th 1853, Perry arrived at Uraga Harbor in Japan. A feudal government called the Tokugawa Shogunate ruled Japan. Perry forced a conflict with the Shogunate.

Over the next few days, Perry was asked to leave and in turn threatened to use force. Eventually, he was allowed to land. Japanese people refer to this event as the Assault of Kurobune (meaning "Black Ships").

On July 14th, Perry landed at Kurihama Beach with the U.S. Marine Corps for the purpose of handing a personal letter from President Fillmore to the Tokugawa Shogunate. While disembarking, the US military band played "Yankee Doodle".

This event helped start the Meiji Restoration – which was the restoration of Imperial rule in Japan under the Emperor. With Perry’s visit, the Japanese people realized they were technologically behind the West. The goal of the Meiji Restoration was to strengthen and modernize Japanese power to deflect colonial powers.

"Yankee Doodle" was an omen of historical change in Japan.

The Japanese children’s hand-clapping song, アルプス一万尺 (10,000 Feet Up in the Alps) is now sung to the Yankee Doodle tune.

Thanks very much to Sadao Mazuka for contributing to this article.

Mama Lisa

Images: Come from a Japanese 1854 print relating Perry’s visit.