He also implemented foreign policy reforms, such as promoting Western learning, surveying "Ezochi" (the Ainu-dwelling area in the Matsumae Domain) proposed by Heisuke KUDO and others, and seeking trade with the Russian Empire via the Ainu.
また、蘭学の奨励、工藤平助らの提案による蝦夷地調査、アイヌを通じた対ロシア帝国交易の模索など、海外政策の改革も行っている。