3-047-106 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Opening of the first railway in Japan - foreign residents presenting an address to the Mikado at Yokohama, 1872. 'Our well-known artist and correspondent, Mr. C. Wirgman, has sent two sketches of the proceedings, with photographs by Signor Beato...The opening of the new railway from Jeddo [Edo] to Yokohama, which is the first line constructed in Japan, took place on Oct. 14...The station here was decorated like the Jeddo station..."I went opposite the Imperial carriage and saw the Mikado get out. His Court bowed to him, and, after a little pause, he began moving slowly forward...the foreign representatives bringing up the rear, all in full dress...His Imperial Majesty went through the hall, to the sound of Japanese music, played by musicians in court dress...When he stood up to read a speech the pavilion was occupied by his Court, the foreign representatives, railway officials, the German railway banker, and a deputation of the leading merchants, in evening dress. Mr. W. Marshall then read an address to the Mikado, after which the chief of the Yokohama Government made a speech...at noon the train went back, with much the same ceremony as it came. At Jeddo, the railroad was declared to be open by the Mikado".' From "Illustrated London News", 1872.