Final answer:
U.S. attempts at opening trade with Japan, led by Commodore Perry, greatly influenced Japanese culture by ending the nation's seclusion policy and prompting the Meiji Restoration.
Step-by-step explanation:
The arrival of Commodore Matthew Perry in Japan in 1853 initiated significant shifts in Japanese culture and society. Perry's demand for Japan to open its markets to trade led to the signing of the Convention of Kanagawa in 1854, which forced an end to Japan's policy of seclusion.
Industrialization was viewed as a way for Japan to protect itself and avoid colonization. To sustain independence and compete with Western powers, Japan modernized its military and industry rapidly. However, this adoption of foreign technologies and systems came with a degree of resentment towards Western influences, especially when Japan felt it was treated unfairly following its contribution to victory in World War I and faced discriminatory immigration laws from countries like the United States.
Japan's leadership understood the importance of growing their nation's power, focusing more on expansionism in Asia over relations with the United States. They viewed diplomacy and trade with the U.S. as useful only insofar as it furthered their own imperialist goals. During the post-World War II era, aided by the U.S., Japan concentrated on rebuilding its economy, evolving rapidly from producing low-wage industrial goods to being a leader in high-tech innovation.