Both the Japanese and U. S. governments have produced numerous reports that give valuable information about Japanese history. Examples include:
The Iwakura embassy, 1871-73
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Kume Kunitake accompanied Prince Iwakura and four other ambassadors on a long trip through the United States and Europe. Kume's observations are detailed with particularly great interest in landscape, finances, and technology.
Digitized Japanese government documents concerning Japan's relations with other Asian countries. The majority of documents are in Japanese, but there are 98 with English translations. In the Keyword Search enter the phrase english translation. There are also online exhibitions in English including the topics U.S.-Japan War talks, the Iwakura Mission, and the Russo-Japanese War.
The National Archives preserves government documents and other records of historic importance. Note in particular this link for the Digital Archive from the National Archives.
U.S. Congressional Serial Set
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Provides full-text of all reports, documents, and journals of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives from 1817-1994. Includes such reports as:
Japanese pupils to West Point. Letter from the Secretary of State. April 11, 1871
Relations with Japan. Reports of the inaugural meeting of the American Peace Society of Japan, held in Yokohama, January 30, 1911
For the relief of sufferers from earthquake in Japan. Letter from the Secretary of War transmitting a draft of proposed legislation for the relief of sufferers from earthquake in Japan. April 22, 1924.