P.S. looking for editor, publisher, movie maker. I already have a muse and a trophy wife.
Also, the transation is from ChatGPT. If it is really bad or good please let me know.
Also, if you want me to finish translating the book please hit me up on Facebook or just tell your friends. Someone will find me!
We see the bustling train station from the perspective of a man, his face obscured by the crowds of people rushing past him. He looks around in awe, taking in the towering architecture and the black smoke rising from the locomotives. As he writes in his journal, we see flashbacks of a past time - a ship sailing across the ocean, a formal dinner with a governor, and a map of Japan being presented to him. The man takes a deep breath and smiles to himself, feeling a sense of responsibility and destiny as he begins his journey in Japan.
MAN
(voiceover)
The black smoke seems to be belching more this morning as the men gather excitement upon leaving Shanghai and heading to the Japans. The men have awoken their hearts for the new mission to open the Japans to trade. Last night the meal with the governor of Shanghai was accented when he gave me his personal map of the Japans.
The man closes his journal and looks around the station once more before heading off to begin his adventure in Japan.
FADE TO BLACK.
INT. USS SUSQUEHANNA - DAY
We see the bustling interior of the USS Susquehanna, with sailors rushing about their duties and the sounds of clanging equipment and shouted orders filling the air. The man we saw earlier stands on the deck, looking out at the rough waves as the ship makes its way towards the Ryukyu Islands.
MAN
(voiceover)
The waves of May 1853 were rough as the USS Saratoga, USS Mississippi, USS Plymouth, and the lead USS Susquehanna navigated the currents to the Ryukyu Islands, known to seaman as the southernmost tip of the Japans and a safe harbor for port. He looks up at the impressive size of the ship, pride and determination etched on his face.
MAN
(voiceover)
Her impressive beam of 45 feet and length of 247 feet makes her immense. But it is the two coal powered steam paddle wheels that give us our speed. The giant main sails and sheets further increase our speed to 10 knots. Our smoke can be seen at the very edge of the horizon. He turns and heads below deck, where we see a diverse group of people gathered around a table - soldiers, doctors, translators, artists, and more. They laugh and joke as they discuss the plans for their journey.
MAN
(voiceover)
On board we have a contingent of fine soldiers, doctors, translators, artists, drunks, educators, train & wire communication experts and some of the best cooks in the Navy. Including our very own Paul Montgomery. Our dinner conversations are brief in fun and quick to plans for each step of the journey ahead of us.
The group of men and women are dressed in formal attire as they sit around a long dining table, laughing and chatting over drinks.
The man we saw earlier, COMMODORE PERRY, stands at the head of the table and unrolls a large map. The others fall silent as they look at it, noting the various ports and navigation paths marked on the map.
CAPTAIN SHAW
(leaning over the map)
It looks like the first stop for supplies should be the Ryukyu Islands.
PROFESSOR SMITH
(nodding)
Yes, and from there we can make our way to the main ports in Japan.
TRANSLATOR FINK
(to Commodore Perry)
Sir, have you decided who you will meet with when we reach Japan?
COMMODORE PERRY
(nodding)
Yes, I will only meet with the senior most government official such as the Emperor, King, Governor, or Shogun. Any attempts to meet with me will be rebuffed until we are absolutely certain that my dignity and that of the President of the United States will be greeted in the proper way. I expect full pageantry, bands, and banners. The group nods in agreement, clearly taking the mission seriously.
The group of men and women are dressed in formal attire as they sit around a long dining table, laughing and chatting over drinks.
The man we saw earlier, COMMODORE PERRY, stands at the head of the table and unrolls a large map. The others fall silent as they look at it, noting the various ports and navigation paths marked on the map.
CAPTAIN SHAW
(leaning over the map)
It looks like the first stop for supplies should be the Ryukyu Islands.
PROFESSOR SMITH
(nodding)
Yes, and from there we can make our way to the main ports in Japan.
TRANSLATOR FINK
(to Commodore Perry)
Sir, have you decided who you will meet with when we reach Japan?
COMMODORE PERRY
(nodding)
Yes, I will only meet with the senior most government official such as the Emperor, King, Governor, or Shogun. Any attempts to meet with me will be rebuffed until we are absolutely certain that my dignity and that of the President of the United States will be greeted in the proper way. I expect full pageantry, bands, and banners. The group nods in agreement, clearly taking the mission seriously.
The group of men and women continue their discussion around the table, focusing on the various ports they will visit in Japan.
CAPTAIN SHAW
(nodding gravely)
I have read many bad stories about sailors being burned and buried alive in the Japans. I will go ahead in all ports and stops to check every inch for your safety, Commodore.
PROFESSOR SMITH
(excitedly)
But there is so much we don't know about the Japans, since they've been closed to foreign trade since the 1600s. Only the Dutch trader Michele Mertens was able to establish a trade post.
DR. SMITH
(leaning over the map)
And look here, at the northern island of Hokkaido. This is where the Japanese people come from. The rice tells us that each local chieftain knew his lands could be terraced and made productive. He points to the Ryukyu Islands on the map.
DR. SMITH
(gesturing wildly)
But if we look here at the Ryukyu Islands, the rice is more like what we found in Shanghai and down in the Philippines. And here, right in the middle, is our target destination - the capital of Edo. Here, the rice can be had both ways, with northern blends from the mountains and southern tastes from the plains.
STEVE
(nodding)
The rice shows the formal communication chain in Japan. It's a way for the chieftains to show their loyalty to the central government in Edo.
The group nods in understanding, clearly taking in the valuable information being shared.
The group continues their discussion, focusing on the customs and traditions of Japan.
DR. SMITH
(nodding)
It is our understanding that rice and rice farming communities were often given to local dynasties. The current shogun grew from this culture.
Commodore Perry looks to Captain Shaw.
COMMODORE PERRY
(to Shaw)
Mr. Shaw, would you please explain the fireworks and displays we have in store for our Tokyo landing?
CAPTAIN SHAW
(standing up)
Yes sir, Commodore.
He reaches behind the main cabinet and pulls out three spiral tubes, opening them and laying the contents on the table in one smooth motion. We see a detailed map of Tokyo Bay, with specific landing points marked, as well as various monopoly-like pieces that clink and clank as they spill out of the final tube. The group sees that the ship is loaded with cannons and fireworks launchers.
SHAW
(pointing to the map)
Actually, Commodore, the fireworks are for when we leave port after our successful treaty negotiations. All of the cannons are ready for service to fire blanks upon rounding this corner.
He stands up straight.
SHAW
(saluting)
And a full set of shot are ready in case of need.
He points to the modern-day location of Yokohama on the map.
The group continues their discussion, with Commodore Perry focused on Captain Shaw's plans for their exit parade and fireworks show in Tokyo.
MS. DANEETA
(walking to the starboard side of the ship)
Commodore, what songs did you like to sing when you were on deck? The sound of singing can be heard by the dinner guests as Ms. Daneeta opens the portal and looks out at the moonlit ocean.
MS. DANEETA
(staring out at the ocean)
This diddy is about leaving the old lady at home and the loneliness of the sea.
But Commodore Perry is deep in thought, not paying attention to Ms. Daneeta's question.
COMMODORE PERRY
(nodding)
Yes, I see. And what about the chests of valuables? How will those be transported? A We have 75 chests on board that can each hold thousands of coin or other valuables. Each chest will be borne by two soldiers who will march to the music and load onto the USS Susquehanna. Each time a chest is loaded onto the ship, a firework will be set off. When chest 75 lands on the deck, the band will strike up a tune of "Camptown Races" and that will liven up the party.
COMMODORE PERRY
(nodding)
Excellent. And after the toast with the Emperor, we will launch a 15-minute long fireworks display.
The group nods in agreement, excited for the grand celebration that will take place in Tokyo.
COMMODORE PERRY
(頷く)
はい、分かりました。貴重品のチェストについてはどうですか？75個のチェストが船に搭載されており、それぞれ数千枚の硬貨や他の貴重品を保持できます。それぞれのチェストは2人の兵士によって運ばれ、音楽に合わせて行進し、USSサスケハナに積み込まれます。チェストが船に積み込まれるたびに花火が打ち上げられます。75個目のチェストがデッキに着陸すると、「キャンプタウン・レース」の曲が始まり、パーティーが盛り上がります。
COMMODORE PERRY
(頷く)
素晴らしいです。皇帝との乾杯の後、15分間の花火ショーを開催します。
グループは同意のうなずきを見せ、東京で行われる豪華な祝賀会に興奮しています。
FADE TO BLACK.
Original Text
INT. USS SUSQUEHANNA - DINING ROOM - NIGHT
The group continues their discussion, with Captain Shaw explaining the details of the parade and fireworks show in Tokyo.
CAPTAIN SHAW
(explaining)
Commodore, after you shake hands and say your formal goodbyes, you will walk the parade route and the band will play "Home Again". When you are on the dock with your back to your ship and salute the crowd, the fireworks will start. You will then be on our fastest away boat as the fireworks display is in full bloom.
COMMODORE PERRY
(proudly)
Well done Shaw, well done indeed.
STEVE
(to Dr. Smith)
Dr. Smith, could you tell me about apples in Japan?
BURZIN ENGINEER
(rolling his eyes)
Oh come on, Steve. We know you think apples are the perfect fruit, easy to use and they don't get viruses. But enough with "dem apples"! The group laughs at Steve's obsession with apples. The dinner conversation is free to take any turn now as Commodore Perry is satisfied with the meal, wine, and the regimented plan put forth by Shaw.
FADE TO BLACK.
Japanese Translation
INT. USS SUSQUEHANNA - ダイニングルーム - 夜
グループは議論を続け、キャプテン・ショウが東京のパレードと花火ショーの詳細を説明しています。
INT. USS SUSQUEHANNA - COMMODORE PERRY'S CABIN - NIGHT
Commodore Perry is writing in his journal, reflecting on the dinner party and the discussions that took place.
COMMODORE PERRY
(writing in journal)
Wednesday, October 20, 1852, 9:15pm. First night out of the port of Shanghai was topped with a fine meal with my direct team. Shaw laid out our course and the basics of our engagements and negotiations.
Dr. Smith anticipated the Ryukyu Islands and the small pineapple he thinks the locals turned into wine. Engineer seemed to know what each port might offer in terms of goods and local trading customs.
Ms. Daneeta was delightful as always, with her southern charm, and I was particularly intrigued by her request for everyone's journals.
Carter, as usual, is on his hunt for the apple. He checks and catalogs each variety with Dr. Smith. He carries on and on about the famous Macintosh apple that has a taste so sharp that when you bite it, the CEO comes out and slaps you.
Montgomery made roasted lamb with a variety of fresh sides bought from the Shanghai market that morning. As with everything on my ships, the menu for the coming month is planned and I must admit, I am looking forward to Sunday.
FADE TO BLACK.
Japanese Translation
INT. USS SUSQUEHANNA - ペリ提督のキャビン - 夜
ペリ提督は日記を書きながら、夕食会とその議論を振り返っています。
COMMODORE PERRY
(日記を書いて)
1852年10月20日水曜日午後9時15分。上海港を出港して最初の夜は、私の直属チームとの素晴らしい食事で締めくくりました。ショウは私たちの進路と交渉の基本を明らかにしました。
INT. USS SUSQUEHANNA - DINING ROOM - NIGHT
The group is gathered for dinner, discussing their recent landing at port Naha in the Ryukyu Islands.
DR. SMITH
(excitedly)
The landing at port Naha was a grand affair. The black smoke from our coal burning steam engines was seen days before we arrived. The locals were scurrying about, screaming "Kurofune, Kurofune" - "Black Ship"!
CAPTAIN SHAW
(surprised)
The king of the Ryukyu Islands immediately set up a banquet in our honor. Every item on our shopping list was granted immediately, plus additional supplies were offered and gratefully accepted. The hospitality was soothing, and nothing like what I had anticipated.
MS. DANEETA
(grateful)
It's such a contrast to the stories we've heard about the hostility towards foreigners in Japan.
COMMODORE PERRY
(nodding)
Yes, it's a promising start to our mission. Now we just have to hope that the rest of our journey goes as smoothly.
The group continues their dinner conversation, discussing their hopes and plans for the rest of their voyage.
FADE TO BLACK.
Japanese Translation
INT. USS SUSQUEHANNA - ダイニングルーム - 夜
グループが集まって、琉球諸島の那覇港への最近の上陸について話し合っています。
DR. SMITH
（興奮して）
那覇港への上陸は盛大なものでした。私たちの石炭を燃やす蒸気エンジンから出る黒煙は、私たちが到着する数日前から見えていました。地元の人たちは駆け回り、「クロフネ、クロフネ」と叫んでいました。
COMMODORE PERRY
（うなずいて）
はい、これは私たちの使命にとって有望なスタートです。今後の旅が同様にスムーズに進むことを願うしかありません。
グループは、航海の残りの期間についての希望や計画を話し合いながら、夕食の会話を続けます。
ブラックアウト。
Original Text
INT. RYUKYU ISLANDS - ARTISAN VILLAGE - DAY
Commodore Perry and the rest of the group are touring the Ryukyu Islands on horseback, accompanied by Tomoko and Hiro, the children of the king. They have arrived at an artisan village where they are greeted by Mayor Higa.
MAYOR HIGA
(bowing)
Welcome to our village, Commodore Perry. We are honored to have you visit us.
COMMODORE PERRY
(returning the bow)
Thank you, Mayor Higa. Your hospitality is much appreciated.
MAYOR HIGA
(gesturing towards the kilns)
Please, come this way. We would like to show you our fire and kiln production area for making roof tiles.
The group follows Mayor Higa towards the kilns, where they observe the process of making roof tiles.
TOMOKO
(explaining)
Each roof tile is cemented into place, and each roof has a god called "Shisa" that is made from leftover roofing materials. The shapes and sizes of the Shisa become the branding mark for the different roofing contractors on the island.
INT. POTTERY FACTORY - DAY
DR. SMITH, a middle-aged man with a love for pottery, stands in front of a large, ancient pottery factory. MARUYAMA, a young professor from Tokyo University, stands next to him.
MARUYAMA
Wow, this factory is amazing. How old is it?
DR. SMITH
Oh, it's many hundreds of years old. It's built on top of a rolling hill, with the main fire at the dip and the pottery placed in the oven going up the hill.
MARUYAMA
Impressive. And what brings you here, Dr. Smith?
DR. SMITH
I'm just on a research sabbatical, studying pottery techniques around the world. And you, Maruyama?
MARUYAMA
I'm in charge of the education postal service, always looking for ways to expand pure knowledge. And I have a soft spot for rabbits. I even convinced Dr. Smith to take a pair back with us.
DR. SMITH
(laughs)
Yes, Maruyama here has a way with animals.
The two men sit down at a table filled with local fish, fruits, and pineapple wine.
MARUYAMA
(toasting)
To new friendships and expanding knowledge!
DR. SMITH
(toasting)
To the beauty of pottery and the magic of rabbits!
The COMMODORE, a rugged and experienced sailor, stands at the head of a table surrounded by his team.
COMMODORE PERRY
It's clear that they know we're here and they know we're coming. I want you to repel any boats or approaches by the Japanese natives. We're headed to Edo, no matter what. Shaw, I want a full accounting of our armaments in one hour. Carter, communicate this same order to all of our ships.
MS. DANEETA, a young woman taking notes, nods.
MS. DANEETA
Yes, Commodore. And I'll collect everyone's journals, including yours, and send boats to the other ships to collect their notes as well. I'll quickly copy and compile the notes and then return the journals.
COMMODORE PERRY
(nodding)
Good. We need to be prepared for any potential confrontations. And it's important that we document everything that happens on this journey.
船内 - 昼
COMMODORE（艦隊司令官）は、彼のチームに囲まれてテーブルの先頭に立っています。
COMMODORE PERRY
彼らは私たちがここにいること、そして私たちが来ることを知っている。日本人が近づいてきたら、船を撃退するように。私たちは何があっても江戸に向かう。Shaw、装備品の完全な監査を1時間以内に提出すること。Carter、すべての艦船にこの命令を伝えること。
COMMODORE PERRY
（うなずいて）
良いです。どんな潜在的な対立にも備えなければなりません。そして、この
English
INT. SHIP'S DECK - DAY
The black ship steams towards Edo, with scouts reporting back on the various encampments, forts, and cannons they see along the Pacific Ocean coast. The COMMODORE is on deck, barking orders to his crew.
COMMODORE PERRY
(to crew)
Keep a sharp lookout and be prepared for any potential confrontations. We need to get to Edo as smoothly as possible.
The crew nods, focused on their tasks. On land, horses with messengers ride north at a frenetic pace, dispatched by various daimyos to warn the Emperor and Shogun of the approaching ships. As the ship pushes further north, the scouts report an increase in the number of encampments, forts, and cannons in place. The COMMODORE sounds the alarm, calling his team to his cabin.
INT. SHIP'S CABIN - DAY
The COMMODORE stands at the head of the table, his team seated around
him.
COMMODORE PERRY
(to team)
It's obvious that they're expecting us. I want you to be prepared to repel any boat or approach by the Japanese natives. We're headed to Edo, no matter what. Shaw, I want a full accounting of our armaments in one hour. Carter, communicate this same order to all of our ships. Ms. Daneeta, collect everyone's journals, including mine, and send boats to the other ships to collect their notes as well. Quickly copy and compile the notes and then return the journals.
The team nods, ready to carry out the COMMODORE's orders.
INT. SHIP'S CABIN - DAY
MS. DANEETA, the ship's secretary, stands in front of COMMODORE PERRY, a seasoned sailor.
MS. DANEETA
Do you need any help, Commodore?
COMMODORE PERRY
Yes, I think Dr. Smith and Mr. Maruyama would be excellent choices.
MS. DANEETA
Actually, I was thinking Mr. Maruyama could work with Shaw on the fireworks display and document our capabilities in Japanese. Mr. Carter and I could work on the journals.
COMMODORE PERRY
(nodding)
Good idea. Shaw, I want to fire our cannons once an hour starting in 45 minutes. Make it happen. And the rest of you, leave me now.
The team nods and begins to exit the cabin. Outside, SHAW, the first mate, calls out to the crew.
SHAW
(to crew)
General quarters! All hands on deck!
The crew springs into action, each member taking their assigned position. The lookouts in the crow's nest have the most important job of all - watching for rocks and reefs. The crow's nest is wired with a telegraph directly to the wheelhouse, allowing for quick communication.
INT. SHIP'S DECK - DAY
The crew is busy at their stations, with MARUYAMA, a visiting professor from Tokyo University, observing the advanced communications system with interest and confusion. SHAW, the first mate, shows him the five telegraph workstations.
SHAW
See, each station is connected to the crow's nest, allowing for quick communication in case of rocks or reefs. Every crew member is trained in Morse code.
MARUYAMA
(in disbelief)
This is quite advanced. I've never seen anything like it.
COMMODORE PERRY, the seasoned sailor in charge of the ship, approaches the two men.
COMMODORE PERRY
(to Maruyama)
I'm glad you find it interesting. I'm looking forward to bringing trade to Japan.
MARUYAMA
(tilting his head)
Why would you want that?
COMMODORE PERRY
(shrugging)
It's good for business and for relations between our countries. Plus, I believe in the power of cultural exchange.
MARUYAMA
(nodding)
I see. I'll have to think more about this.
INT. SHIP'S DECK - DAY
The crew is at attention, with MARUYAMA standing next to MS. DANEETA and CHEF PAUL. COMMODORE PERRY stands on the main deck, watching the ship.
COMMODORE PERRY
(to Shaw)
FIRE!
SHAW repeats the order and the ship shudders as the cannon is fired. The people on the cliffs can be heard screaming and seen scattering. The USS Mississippi and USS Plymouth also fire their cannons, with the blast from the USS Saratoga being the loudest of all.
COMMODORE PERRY
(to Shaw)
Full steam ahead, full sails. Fast, if you please.
SHAW nods and carries out the order, with the ship picking up speed. The crew watches as they steam towards their destination.
INT. SHIP'S DECK - DAY
The crew watches as the USS Susquehanna, along with the other ships, unfurls its sails and picks up speed. COMMODORE PERRY stands on the main deck, observing the fluid and disciplined motion of the crew.
COMMODORE PERRY
(to himself)
Excellent work, team.
Perry retires to his chambers.
55 minutes later, SHAW calls to arms again, and the firing of the cannons is just as smooth and precise as before. At the strike of noon, Shaw yells "Fire" and all four ships fire their cannons at once, the sound echoing into the bay and seeming to last for several minutes. All ships come to a full stop, with the ocean becoming eerily still.
INT. SHIP'S CABIN - DAY
COMMODORE PERRY and SHAW, the first mate, sit in Perry's chambers, planning the next steps of their voyage.
COMMODORE PERRY
I want to make sure our message of aggression is heard loud and clear. Shaw, I want you to fire some fireworks after the cannons tonight. And I want to stop the 2pm shots and steam even harder for Edo.
SHAW nods and heads off to carry out the orders. He brings MARUYAMA, the visiting professor from Tokyo University, back to the main telegraph station on the ship. Along the way, Shaw shows Maruyama the thousands of cannons and fireworks ready for deployment, explaining how they use the telegraph to launch the fireworks from a safe distance.
Once at the telegraph, Shaw sends his orders to the crow's nest, who then flags the orders to the other ships. The crew prepares for the next phase of their voyage, with the Commodore's message of power and aggression being transmitted across Japan.
INT. SHIP'S TELEGRAPH STATION - DAY
MARUYAMA stands in front of the telegraph, skeptical that the message was received by the crow's nest. SHAW, the first mate, watches him with a sense of superiority.
SHAW
(to Maruyama)
I'll prove it to you. I'll ask you a question, then use the telegraph and you can run to the crow's nest to see if your answer is there.
MARUYAMA
(nodding)
SHAW
(typing on the telegraph)
What do you do, Mr. Maruyama?
MARUYAMA
(smirking)
I am a professor of communications at Tokyo University.
MARUYAMA leaves the telegraph station and runs to the crow's nest. At the perch, the sarcastic crewmate shows him the answer to Shaw's question, causing Maruyama to flip out in surprise. Shaw watches with satisfaction, knowing that he has proven the effectiveness of the telegraph system.
INT. SHIP'S TELEGRAPH STATION - DAY
MARUYAMA returns to the telegraph station, looking dejected.
MARUYAMA
(to Shaw)
Excuse me, Mr. Shaw. That was a little too much information for me. Can I be excused to take a walk?
SHAW nods and Maruyama quickly heads to the main depot for the fireworks. Unseen by anyone, Maruyama climbs under the launch pad and begins to sabotage it, determined to prevent the fireworks from being used to impress the Shogun in Edo. Maruyama knows that this display of power is just a way for COMMODORE PERRY to take gold and presents from the Shogun for his own gain.
INT. SHIP'S FIREWORKS DEPOT - DAY
MARUYAMA works quickly, setting firework number 75 to shoot down rather than up. This firework has the loudest boom of any on the ship, as Shaw had boasted earlier. Maruyama sets the fuse on 75 to blow in just 3 seconds, much faster than any other time. Maruyama's plan is for the number 75 firework to shoot down from the side-mounted launching platform, going under the ship and exploding at the keel, blowing a hole in the vessel. Maruyama believes he is being sneaky, but he is no match for the street smarts of COMMODORE PERRY. Maruyama's zealotry for using new technology, especially communications, solely for education has not prepared him for the dangers of the real world.
INT. SHIP'S DECK - DAY
The flotilla has stopped at Yokohama bay, just three days from Edo. On the beaches and in the bay, thousands of Japanese people are seen waving banners and looking somewhat orderly, despite the presence of shore batteries and cannons. As sunset approaches, the four ships fire their cannons, causing the crowds to flee in panic. Then COMMODORE PERRY orders the first of five fireworks to be launched over the visible city. The ear-piercing screams of the rockets send the bay into a frenzy of joy as the first burst into stars, signaling the start of celebrations. Crowds on the beaches approach in boats and many even wade into the bay to get a closer look.
INT. SHIP'S DECK - DAY
MARUYAMA and SHAW arrive at the gantry of the USS Susquehanna and shoo away any visitors. One boat, adorned with banners and featuring a throne-like seat for the MAYOR OF YOKOHAMA, is told to wait. Shaw lowers Maruyama down to the mayor's boat and Maruyama tells the mayor that Commodore Perry will only meet with the Emperor. Shaw pushes the boat away, rebuffing the mayor's attempts to board the ship and telling him to arrange a meeting with the Emperor. Finally, Shaw hands Maruyama the terms and arrangements for the first meeting to discuss the terms and arrangements for Commodore Perry to deliver a letter of peace from President Fillmore to the Emperor. Shaw shooes the boat away again and returns to the Commodore's cabin.
INT. COMMODORE'S OFFICE - NIGHT
Shaw and the Commodore stand in front of a large wooden desk, illuminated by a single lamp on top. Shaw looks worried, while the Commodore appears calm and collected.
SHAW:
(whispering)
Make sure you lock that door.
The Commodore nods and goes to the door, turning the lock.
COMMODORE PERRY:
(to Shaw)
So, Maruyama's been sabotaging the fireworks, has he?
SHAW:
(nodding)
That's what I heard. I thought you'd be angry.
COMMODORE PERRY:
(smirking)
On the contrary, Shaw. I've been suspecting Maruyama's motives for a while now. He thinks he can use the telegraph to take away my power.
SHAW:
(surprised)
You knew about this?
COMMODORE PERRY:
(nodding)
I had a feeling. And when I questioned him during the voyage here, it became clear that he was hiding something. He doesn't know that I've figured him out.
COMMODORE PERRY:
(rubbing his chin)
I have an idea. If we blow up my ship tonight, before the treaty arrangements are made, we could use it to our advantage in negotiations. Shaw, I want you to start moving supplies and men to the other ships as quickly and quietly as possible.
SHAW:
(nodding)
Yes, sir. I'll get right on it.
COMMODORE PERRY:
(nodding)
Good. And make sure you keep this between us. We don't want anyone else finding out about our plan.
SHAW:
(saluting)
Understood, sir.
The Commodore nods and Shaw exits the room, leaving the Commodore to contemplate his next move.
Shaw and the Commodore stand on deck, looking out at the calm waters of Yokohama Bay. The full moon reflects off the surface, casting a soft glow on the ships.
COMMODORE PERRY:
(to Shaw)
Are you ready for this?
SHAW:
(nodding)
Yes, sir.
The Commodore takes a deep breath and starts yelling in Japanese.
COMMODORE PERRY:
(in Japanese)
Baka! Uso!
Shaw joins in, their voices carrying over the water. The Commodore raises his hand and signals to Shaw, who nods in understanding. Shaw lights a firework and tosses it into the air, where it explodes in a burst of color.
The sound pierces the silence, causing people on shore to stir from their tents. Some of them are still up, drinking and chatting around a fire. The Commodore and Shaw continue to shout and fire their pistols into the air.
Suddenly, a round of 25 fireworks launches into the sky, followed by another 25 and then 10 more. The explosion of color and sound is dazzling.
On shore, Maruyama watches in horror. This was not supposed to happen here. He had planned for the explosion to occur when the Commodore and his crew left, hoping it would kill Perry. But now, his plan has been foiled.
The camera pans out from the Chuo Line platform, showing the crowded, bustling station. People are rushing to and fro, their faces lit up by the screens of their wifi-enabled cell phones. The air is heavy and warm, and the Imperial Palace is visible in the distance. The perspective shifts to that of a man standing on the platform, watching the scene unfold. He feels a sense of warmth and familiarity mixed with confusion and disbelief.
NARRATOR:
(voiceover)
It's complicated, warm and fuzzy. The emotion I felt when I landed at Tokyo Station in 2014. The August air was heavy and I could see the Imperial Palace from the Chuo Line platform. The indiscernible part was looking at the wifi cell phones, the gigabit internet as my heart screamed to me that I was directly responsible for the design of the Internet in Japan.
The camera zooms in on the man's face, revealing a pair of piercing blue eyes.
NARRATOR:
(voiceover)
After my death on March 4, 1858, I was reincarnated into Bradley Lawrence Bartz on December 8, 1965.
The camera cuts to a flashback of a younger Bradley L. Bartz, standing on the deck of a ship. He looks out at the horizon, a determined look on his face.
NARRATOR:
(voiceover)
Before I hand the narration over to Bradley, I implore you to ask him what the hell he did with my Black Ship? The modern day Commodore is Bradley L. Bartz. He did land in Japan in 1989, and he did start the first commercial Internet company in Japan. He rose to fame, was blacklisted by the Japanese government, and was reborn again.
NEW REVIEW!
"International entrepreneurship is a tough and nasty game! You learn it by getting kicked in the teeth, by failing, by jumping back in, building on your goofs, and winning in the end!!!!!!!!! This is a great book, written in an unorthodox, fascinating style that will give the novice beginner to the game a real insight into how the game is played - like it or not!!!!! Read it! Seek out, contemplate, then massage the lessons taught, in your mind! Bury your mind in this book and you will find tons of action oriented take-away learning points that will save you tons of grief, money and time!!!!!!!!!!! The truth about the game is in this book!!! Part of the fun of the book is the reading and discovering the lessons!!!"
Dr. Fred Kiesner
Professor LMU Entrepreneurship
Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles
Japan.co.jp - Hardhat Required
An American entrepreneur's escapades in Japan
Tokyo, Japan -- Fresh out of college, Bradley Bartz landed in Japan in 1989, just in time. Sure, the country's breathtaking economic bubble was bursting before his eyes. But that didn't matter.
Bartz arrived just in time to set up an information technology business placed perfectly to catch the Internet wave. Hurtling straight down the wave's massive face, Bartz “shot the tube,” building a business that became the toast of Tokyo's new Internet cognoscenti, then gloriously wiped out in a furious wall of white water.
Japan.co.jp tells the tale of Bartz's wild ride and how he pulled out of the white water to surf another day as an entrepreneur.
Bartz's account is part of Japan's business history revealed in detail for the first time.
“JAPAN.co.jp takes you inside the founding of several businesses in a foreign country where a recent college graduate from America is heralded either as a brilliant, scrappy entrepreneur, or damned as a rude, outsider upstart who doesn't play by the rules -- depending on which board room he's in and which day of the week it is," said Bartz.
Bartz's business team raised more than $10 million from a hedge fund for the businesses from an Internet Service Provider to a web design boutique, magazine publisher, technology/science newswire and free e-mail service offering more than 100 unique Japanese domain names.
Foreign investors, Japanese bureaucrats, loyal and disloyal business partners and industry rivals emerge as colorful characters in a historical drama-within-the-drama as Bartz retells parts of the story as imagined from the decks of Commodore Matthew Perry's famed Black Ships.
“The successes of my early career are set against the Japanese cultural enigma of closing markets to foreigners,” said Bartz. “The lessons learned and explained in Japan.co.jp are valuable to anyone who wants to understand the inner workings of Japan's economy and industries.”
JAPAN.co.jp – Hardhat Required is available on Amazon.com and on Kindle.
https://startup.japan.co.jp
Bradley Bartz
Brad@Bartz.com
1-310-373-3169 - United States
+81-3-4578-9370 - Japan
Bradley Lawrence Bartz
Mayumi Takadanobaba Email: Mayumi@RoppongiGirl.com
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JAPAN.co.jp - Hardhat Required