Japan- Ashlynn and Brianna By Nascar13 1800 Japan–United States relations began in the late 18th and early 19th century. 1858 The United States established diplomatic relations with Japan in 1858. 1941 Japan's 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. 1945 The countries' relationship prospered again, and an exchange of technology and culture produced a strong alliance. 1952 Between 1945 and 1952, the U.S. occupying forces enacted widespread military, political, economic, and social reforms. 2000 Japanese immigration to the United States was prominent until the 20th century. 2016 The U.S. goods and services trade deficit with Japan was $54.9 billion in 2016.