3-046-981 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Sionii Iwakura, the Japanese Special Ambassador, 1872. 'The Japanese Ambassador-Extraordinary, Sionii Iwakura, and his Associates-Extraordinary, representing various departments of the public service of Japan, arrived..from New York, and, after being entertained at luncheon by the Mayor, left in the afternoon for London, where they took up their quarters in Buckingham Palace...It is intended that the illustrious visitors shall be royally treated during their stay in this country. The Ambassadors were entertained at dinner on Monday by Lord and Lady Granville, and after dinner visited the International Exhibition, which had been brilliantly lighted up for the occasion. On Tuesday evening their Excellencies, accompanied by General Grant and Sir Harry Parkes, were present at the People's Concert at the Royal Albert Hall. Sionii Iwakura, with his suite, Sir Harry Parker, and others, visited Brighton on Wednesday, as the guests of the Mayor, and inspected the Aquarium...According to the Japan Herald, the appointment of Japanese Ambassadors at the Court of London, and to Paris, is in consequence of the determination of the Mikado to visit Europe upon his return from a contemplated tour of the empire. Three vessels of war will accompany the Mikado'. From "Illustrated London News", 1872.