"Black Ships" refers to the Western vessels that arrived in Japan during the mid-19th century, particularly those of the United States. The term is most commonly associated with the arrival of Commodore Matthew Perry in 1853, who sought to open Japan to international trade after centuries of isolation. The ships were painted black, which contributed to their ominous reputation among the Japanese. The arrival of the Black Ships marked a significant turning point in Japanese history, leading to the end of the Edo period and the beginning of the Meiji Restoration. This period saw Japan rapidly modernize and adopt Western technologies and practices, transforming the nation into a global power.