noun
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.
1853年にペリー率いる黒船が浦賀に来航した。
In 1853, the black ships led by Perry arrived at Uraga.
黒船の来航は日本の開国を促
The arrival of the black ships prompted Japan to open its borders.
noun
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.
iPhoneは日本の携帯電話市場における黒船だった。
The iPhone was a black ship in the Japanese mobile phone market.
外資系の新規参入は業界の黒船と呼ばれた。
The new foreign entrant was called a black ship of the industry.
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.