Townsend Harris

Townsend Harris (October 4, 1804 – February 25, 1878) was an American merchant and politician who served as the first United States Consul General to Japan. He negotiated the Harris Treaty between the US and Japan and is credited as the diplomat who first opened Shogunate Japan to foreign trade and culture in the Edo period.

For the eponymous NYC high school, see Townsend Harris High School.

Townsend Harris
Townsend Harris in 1855 (painted by James Bogle)
Born(1804-10-04)October 4, 1804
Washington County, New York, United States
DiedFebruary 25, 1878(1878-02-25) (aged 73)
New York City, New York, US
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He was portrayed by John Wayne in the 1958 historical adventure drama film The Barbarian and the Geisha.

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