The Iwakura Mission was a Japanese diplomatic journey that took place from 1871 to 1873. Its primary goal was to study Western political, economic, and educational systems to help modernize Japan during the Meiji Restoration. The mission was led by key figures, including Iwakura Tomomi, and involved a delegation that traveled to the United States and several European countries. During the mission, the delegates met with various leaders and experts, gathering insights on industrialization and governance. The knowledge gained from these interactions significantly influenced Japan's modernization efforts, helping to shape its policies and institutions in the years that followed.