The relationship between both countries were merely economic as the U.S. much like its European counterparts were interested in establishing trade routes accessing the Kingdom's ports.

On July 11, 1854, U.S. Commodore Matthew C. Perry signed the Convention between the Lew Chew Islands and the United States of America with the Kingdom which stipulated "Hereafter, whenever Citizens of the United States come to Lew Chew, they shall be treated with great courtesy and friendship.

Whatever Articles these persons ask for, whether from the officers or people, which the Country can furnish, shall be sold to them; nor shall the authorities interpose any prohibitory regulations to the people selling, and whatever either party may wish to buy shall be exchanged at reasonable prices.

[2] Following the signing of the treaty, the Japanese government had been making inroads toward taking control of the islands that now constitute the Okinawa Prefecture.

[2] This article incorporates public domain material from "A Guide to the United States' History of Recognition, Diplomatic, and Consular Relations, by Country, since 1776: Lew Chew (Loochoo)".