Abstract
When people discuss on the topic of technology transfer in Meiji Japan, it is customary for them to put their emphasis on the role of the leadership of the Government. However, as many western business hunters came to Japan as soon as the opening of ports, they also brought Western technology and applied it directly to their private business. Therefore, we must emphasize these business hunters' role is more significant. Here, we focus on the development of small steamer ferry business, initiated by them, and its role to the rise of the Japanese modern shipbuilding industry.
