black ships; Western ships of the Edo period
Historical term for Western vessels that visited Japan from the 16th to 19th centuries, especially Commodore Perry's fleet in 1853. Often used in discussions of the end of sakoku.
In 1853, the black ships led by Perry arrived at Uraga.
The arrival of the black ships prompted Japan to open its borders.
foreign disruptor; Western market entrant
Figurative extension: a Western product, company, or person that enters the Japanese market and shakes up the status quo. Often used in business or tech contexts.
The iPhone was a black ship in the Japanese mobile phone market.
The new foreign entrant was called a black ship of the industry.
Standard kanji spelling; widely recognized historical term.
Literally 'black ships', from 黒 (black) + 船 (ship). The term originally described the dark-hulled Western vessels, especially the steam-powered ships of Perry's expedition, which appeared black due to coal smoke and tar.