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Japanese diplomat Katsu’s voyage and US ties echo through family history
The article recalls Katsu’s defiant stance toward Western powers and his voyage as captain of Japan’s first Pacific crossing designed for coastal defense. It notes his later roles, his influence on Japan’s strength and West relations, and how his family, including Mrs. Watkins and Clara Kaji, shaped American citizenship and education across generations amid wartime tensions. It also mentions U.S. Navy funding to Lansdowne Steel and Iron Co. and a New Jersey lottery writing.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Katsu
Japan
San Francisco
Pacific
West
Watkins
Clara Whitney
Kaji
United States
Goucher College
Baltimore
Phi Beta Kappa
Hifo
FBI
William Whitney
Hiventor
Eli Whitney
The
Institute of Business Technology
New Jersey
Whitney
Willis
Clara Kaji
U.S
Hilda