Upon on-site arrival of our group study program (GSP), limited opportunity has been available to conduct in-person analysis or observation of the history and significance of Hakodate Port. The most significant opportunity for information collection was the Hakodate municipal buildings, including the Former British Consulate of Hakodate, which displayed artifacts and provided descriptions about Hakodate Port. Through our visits, we have learned that Hakodate Port was opened for international trading purposes in 1859 to allow free trade between Britain and Japan as a result of the Anglo-Japanese Treaty of Amity and Commerce; eventually, more Western consulates were stationed in Hakodate for trading and commerce. The first foreign ship to arrive in the Port was the Russian envoy in 1793. More foreign ships were then witnessed near Ezochi, the Edo name for what is today known as Hokkaido, thus causing the shogunate to extend control over Ezochi to improve defences. The shogunate’s primary shipping agent, Kahee Takadaya, established a sea route in 1800 that connected Hakodate to Etofuru, and then continued to support the regional development and prosperity of Hakodate. Additionally, Hakodate was established as a collection base for goods from East Ezo, thus furthering growth as a port town. In 1854, Commodore Perry arrived from the United States to sign the Convention of Kanagawa which opened Hakodate Port to trade, a month after which a fleet of ships were led to visit Hakodate. Upon arrival, Perry and his crew enjoyed the Port area and obtained several biological samples to examine. In 1855, the Port opened to allow rescuing of castaways, rather than trade. It was not until 1858, when the shogunate signed treaties with several dominant countries, that Hakodate was opened as a trading port and it was not until 1859 that the port finally allowed international trade. Today, the Hakodate Port holds significance as a strong representation of Japan, and is continually integrated in Japanese trade, commerce, and international relations. As the GSP continues, we hope to visit the Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse, which hosts various museums and informative facilities that provide historical facts to supplement our understanding of the historical establishment and regional significance of Hakodate Port. Furthermore, we hope to dedicate time to visit the Hakodate Bay Area to not only gather observations of the functionality of the Port and the individuals and groups that regularly frequent the Port, but also to conduct in-person interviews with Hakodate locals, shop owners, and fishermen to deepen understanding of social and industrial importance.