Iwakura Mission

The Iwakura Mission was a Japanese diplomatic expedition from 1871 to 1873, led by high-ranking officials to the United States and Europe. Its goal was to observe Western political systems, technology, industries, and education to modernize Japan. The mission helped Japan learn from Western advancements, gather information, and bring back ideas to strengthen and reform the young Meiji government, accelerating the country's transition from feudalism to a modern industrial nation. It was a significant step in Japan’s rapid modernization during the Meiji Era.