Note: Project Gutenberg also has an HTML version of this file which includes the original lovely illustrations. See 13051-h.htm or 13051-h.zip: (https://www.gutenberg.org/1/3/0/5/13051/13051-h/13051-h.htm) or (https://www.gutenberg.org/1/3/0/5/13051/13051-h.zip) SKETCHES OF JAPANESE MANNERS AND CUSTOMS by J. M. W. SILVER Lieutenant Royal Marines, Light Infantry (Late of the Royal Marine Battalion for Service in Japan) Illustrated by Native Drawings, Reproduced in Fac-Simile by Means of Chromo-Lithography. LONDON 1867 [Illustration: Sketches of Japanese Manners and Customs] TO COLONEL SIR EDMUND SAUNDERSON PRIDEAUX, BART. DEAR SIR EDMUND, These few 'Sketches of Japanese Manners and Customs' were collected during the years 1864-5, at which time I was attached to the Battalion of Royal Marines for service in Japan, and it is now very pleasing to have the privilege of dedicating them to one who was the friend and companion-in-arms of my late Father. In memory of this bond of friendship, and in grateful acknowledgment of the many kindnesses you have shown me, this Dedication of my humble efforts to assist in the elucidation of the social condition of a distant and comparatively unknown race, affords me deep gratification. With much respect and esteem, I am, Dear Sir Edmund, Very faithfully yours, J. M. W. SILVER. Royal Marine Barracks, Forton, January 29th, 1867. CONTENTS. I. FESTIVALS AND HOLIDAYS II. FIRES AND FIRE-BRIGADES III. DOMESTIC LIFE IV. THE TYCOON, DAIMIOS, AND ARISTOCRACY V. THE COURT OF THE MIKADO VI. THE 'HARA KIRU' VII. NATIONAL GAMES AND AMUSEMENTS VIII. CRIMES AND PUNISHMENTS IX. SUPERSTITIONS AND RELIGIOUS OBSERVANCES X. ON THE TOKAIDO AND IN THE TEA-HOUSES XI. THE SPY SYSTEM--THE BATH-HOUSE XII. LOVE OF FLOWERS LIST OF PLATES. TITLE. FESTIVAL IN HONOUR OF THE BIRTH OF CHILDREN. MERCHANTS' GREAT FESTIVAL. OTINTA LAMA. A FIRE-BRIGADE ON ITS WAY TO A FIRE. A JAPANESE WEDDING. A DAIMIO PAYING A STATE VISIT. A DAIMIO AND FAMILY WITNESSING FIREWORKS. A MINISTER OF THE MIKADO ON A RELIGIOUS EXPEDITION. THEATRICAL PERFORMANCE IN FRONT OF THE MIKADO'S PALACE. LADIES OF THE MIKADO'S COURT PERFORMING THE BUTTERFLY DANCE. THE TYCOON'S MESSENGERS READING THE SENTENCE. THE SACRIFICE. A DAIMIO'S FUNERAL. CREMATION OF THE BODY. RELATIVES COLLECTING ASHES. PUBLIC WRESTLING IN THE GREAT AMPHITHEATRE AT VEDDO. INTERIOR OF A THEATRE. MODE OF CONDUCTING A CRIMINAL TO EXECUTION. LONINS, OR OUTLAWS, ROBBING A RICH MERCHANT'S HOUSE. EXPOSURE FOR INFIDELITY. SELLING INDULGENCES BY PUBLIC AUCTION. PRAYING A SOUL OUT OF PURGATORY. SUDANGEE, OR LAST OFFICES. A BAKER'S SHOP. A TEA-HOUSE MERRY-MAKING. UYA, OR BATH-HOUSE. A FLOWER SHOW. [Illustration: FESTIVAL IN HONOUR OF THE BIRTH OF CHILDREN.] [Illustration: MERCHANTS' GREAT FESTIVAL.] CHAPTER I. FESTIVALS AND HOLIDAYS.