In 1917, Baron Tanetaro Megata led a Japanese Finance Commission (sometimes referred to as a Japanese Financial Mission) to study finance and promote economic relations between Japan and the U.S. Photo 1: Baron Tanetaro Megata (left), head of the Special Japanese Finance Commission, at the New York City Battery. Photo 2: Baron Tanetaro Megata and members of the Special Japanese Finance Commission at the New York City Battery. Photo 3: Baron Tanetaro Megata and Mayor John P. Mitchel (center) at New York City Hall.