The new Meiji period was the starting point of Japan's isolation from foreign countries. During the end of the Edo period, Matthew C. Perry arrived in Japan and established the Nichi-Bei Washin Joyaku, the Treaty of Amity and Amity between Japan and the United States, allowing Japan to be completely open to the United States of America. Soon after, foreign officials from other countries came to Japan to make similar friendship treaties, transforming Japan into one of the global nations. From the treaty, foreigners began to build homes and live in one of the ports open to them, creating a cultural influence on people who had never seen foreigners. Through the opening up of Japan during the Meiji period, Westerners were able to enter and create a positive influence on Japan. With the emergence of Western culture, Japanese foods expanded to accommodate the use of meat to satisfy the preferences of the Japanese. New industrial technology from America and Europe provided the basis of Japanese technology, leading to today's modern, developed country with continuous improvement. With major changes in Japanese diet and technology coming from emerging Western culture, Japan gained social and economic benefits, allowing the country to be the great power it is today. During the Meiji Restoration, selected members of the Japanese were sent to the United States and Europe to learn about Western laws and cultures. Western cuisine was one of the practices achieved during the tour. During the visit, what amazed the Japanese was the notable difference in height compared to Americans and Europeans. The Japanese were typically small because Japan's traditional fish-based food culture did not provide enough nutrients like meat that are essential for healthier physical growth. Aft...... middle of paper...... PERCEPTIONS OF THE BEEF IN THE MAKING OF THE MODERN. Rep. n. Volume V 2009. Australian National University, 2009. Web. 23 April 2012. .Onishi, Norimitsu. “Stir-fried Noodles and Hambagoo: Japan Looks West.” Nytimes.com.The New York Times, March 26, 2008. Web. .Weinstein, Andrea. "The Japanese Automobile Industry". About JAMA. Np, nd Web. 20 April 2012. .Yamasa. "Japanese Things - "A History of Japanese Cuisine"" Yamasa.org. The Yamasa Institute. Network. April 23, 2012. .Yasuo, Wakuda. "Improvement of urban railways". (1997): n. page. Network. May 13. 2012. .