Description
The Iwakura Embassy (or Iwakura Mission) was a diplomatic mission to North America and Europe from 1871 to 1873. Leading Japanese scholars and statesmen visited major industrialised nation to raise the profile of Japan following its period of isolation that had ended in the 1850s. They were also involved in trying to renegotiate trade agreements, and also tasked with gathering information on modern industrial, educational, military and political processes and structures.
In Autumn 1872 the Iwakura Embassy visited Saltaire as an example of a model industrial village and modern, integrated textile mill. They were interested in the amenities of the village as well as the mill itself.