Katsu Rintaro

Captain of Kanrin Maru

San Francisco

March 19,1860

Today, was very interesting. Our ship, the beautiful Kanrin Maru, was finally opened up to the public citizens of San Francisco. I am pleased to say that everyone was astonished by our ship. It is a great honor to show the Americans the different and exquisite details of our ship. Many oohed and ahhed at our unique carvings and indifferent features. Overall, I would say we had made a great impression on these American folks.

Powhatan leaves San Francisco for Panama

Oguri Tadamasa;
Censor of the Japanese delegation; third-ranking in authority.
Lord of Bungo
April 7, 1860
Today we all leave on the Powhatan to go to Washington D.C. The end of our time in San Francisco is a sad thought seeing as we've all had such a wonderful time. This beautiful city and the friendly, hospitable people have all been what we had hoped for and more. While I am sad to leave, I am also excited to move on to the capital of the United States. Surely our experience there shall be even more grand than what we have had here. President Teschemacher came on board before we left to bid us farewell and thank the kind people of San Francisco for their hospitality. It has truly been a magnificent adventure.

Morita, Japanese Treasurer, Visits the SF Mint

Oguri Tadamasa;
Censor of the Japanese delegation; third-ranking in authority.
Lord of Bungo
April 6, 1860
Today Morita, the Treasurer of Japan, was able to visit the Mint. He went to exchange some Mexican currency for American dollars. He was very impressed by the process the Americans used to make money and by all the gold laying about. Tomorrow we are to leave San Francisco and head for the capital of the United States, Washington D.C. It will be a shame to leave this beautiful and friendly city behind but coming with us will be our first taste of American soil. So far our experience here has been so enjoyable. I am excited to see what other delights the Americans have in store for us.

Reception for Japanese Embassy at the Academy of Music

Oguri Tadamasa;
Censor of the Japanese delegation; third-ranking in authority. Lord of Bungo
April 1, 1860
Today I and some other high ranking Japanese delegates were served in our rooms when the time came to eat while other Japanese men went to eat at a communal table with what I heard had about a hundred people! The food at the dinner however was said to be unappetizing and many of the Japanese had to eat the dessert for dinner. On the way back to the ship some of our men found some bean curd and we were all overjoyed since we have not been able to eat any since we left Japan! The Americans also supplied us well with some nice quality fish. The people here seem so hospitable.

Japanese tour SF with Teschemacher, and spend night at International Hotel

Oguri Tadamasa;
Censor of the Japanese delegation; third-ranking in authority. Lord of Bungo.
March 31, 1860
International Hotel, San Francisco
Today two of our Japanese officials toured San Francisco and stayed in the International Hotel. Morita and I lodged at the navy yard instead though. We were told that the city was truly magnificent, especially since spring has come. A trading boat leaving for Japan made it possible for us to write home to our friends and families which we haven't been able to do since we got here. There was a grand send off for the trading boat and many American and Japanese officials watched as the boat left. There was the same usual fuss and we all enjoyed it. Its nice to have such grand events so regularly! One of the American officials was shot by the 21 gun salute! It definitely put a damper on the joyous day. That and the rain!

Powhatan Leaves San Francisco Panama

Kimura Yoshitake
Commander of the Kanrin Maru
San Francisco
April 7, 1860

Today, the Powhatan left San Francisco for Panama. Before the trip, President Teschemacher came aboard to wish them well.The crew of the Powhatan also gave a hearty thanks for the great time they had at San Francisco. I think the whole crew had a great time at San Francisco. They all felt grateful for a chance to experience something like what they experienced. They had been the first to experience American life. Muragaki said that he along with the rest of the crew had nothing but great memories of the beautiful San Francisco to treasure for the rest of his life. I know we all hope to come back soon.

Powhatan leaves San Francisco for Panama

Fukuzawa Yukichi (Translator)
San Francisco
March 7th, 1860
Today, people on the USS Powhatan are leaving. As much as they enjoyed their time here in San Francisco; they have to go on to their next destination, Panama. Many Americans escorted the people that are boarding Powhatan to the dock. If it wasn’t for the delay of Kanrin Maru, we would be leaving as well. But for now, our visit here is extended for a few weeks to a month. Although San Francisco is a great place, I can’t wait to see the rest of America. Many American officers told me that New York is a fabulous city, which is perfect because that is one of the places we’re going to.

Morita, Japanese treasurer, visits the SF mint

Fukuzawa Yukichi (Translator)
San Francisco
March 6th, 1860
Today, our secretary, Morita was invited to the San Francisco Mint. I bet he was looking forward to this trip ever since our arrival. It must be fun for Morita to share his knowledge and opinions about currencies with people who are curious to learn. In a way, American and Japanese currency shared similarities; both currencies have a highly respected figure imprinted on the bill. A difference between our currencies is that the Japanese coin designs look a bit more simple than the Americans. Meanwhile, I hear that the people on USS Powhatan are going to Panama tomorrow. As for us, we aren’t leaving for a while due to difficulties.

Powhatan Leaves San Francisco for Panama

Manjiro John Nakahama

Samurai, Translator

USS Powhatan Departure

April 7th, 186o

Today marked the end of the visit of San Francisco to those aboard the USS Powhatan. It was a day of mixed emotions- the end of one journey and the start of a whole new one. After spending some time with them here in San Francisco, it was hard to watch all the ship members leave. If only our ship hadn't had the few mishaps it did, we would be going with them. During our travels throughout the west, we most likely won't meet up with any of them again, seeing as we will be about a month behind. But I am glad to have met everyone and hope that they feel the same. 

Powhatan leaves San Francisco for Panama

Governor Downey
Powhatan leaves San Francisco for Panama
California Governor’s Office
April 7, 1860
Today, the Japanese have finally departed from the United States aboard the Powhatan heading towards Panama. I hope we as a country did a good job on impressing the Japanese, I hope in the future we have more contact with each other. I am so proud of all the people who treated the Japanese with respect and dignity. Even though they were foreigners we gave them a little taste of American hospitality. Then stayed in wonderful hotels, ate fabulous food, and listed to excellent music. The people of Japan are really an interesting people, similar to us, and yet so different. We spent months preparing for their arrival, and now they have gone, I’m sure this will be the highlight of my time as California’s Governor.

Powhatan leaves San Francisco for Panama

William W. Finney
4/7/1860
Today was a very sad day for me: the USS Powhatan left San Francisco for Panama, including my officer friends. Unfortunately, my friends aboard the USS Powhatan left before I could say goodbye or even ask what their journey to Panama was about or for. However, I do know that the Kanrin Maru joined the USS Powhatan on their voyage to Central America, Panama. Although I have only met the Japanese officers of the Kanrin Maru once and am not that close with them, I still regret them leaving San Francisco so soon and without a chance to get to know the Kanrin Maru officers better. I will miss the Kanrin Maru officers dearly, oh and my friends aboard the USS Powhatan also.

Katsu Rintaro

Captain of Kanrin Maru

San Francisco

April 7, 1860

Today will be the last day here in San Francisco. It was a bittersweet farewell that made me feel sober and reluctant to leave. President Teschemacher was kind enough to bid adieu as he came aboard. The day was peaceful and calm with each crew member was lost in their thoughts. I came to realize how fast time has gone, how fast our journey has come to an end. I sure hope my grandchildren and their grandchildren will be able to come across the sea to find such an fascinating country. My experience here in America has certainly been interesting, exciting, and memorable.

off to panama

Shinmi Masaoki

4/7/10

Today the Powhatan left San Francisco. I grew somewhat attached to San Francisco, after meeting so many people and officials and seeing/visiting all the wonderful sites San Francisco has to offer. I will surely miss San Francisco but now I am heading off to Panama where I will meet more people and see more places. I learned so much about american and western culture, now I will learn Panama's culture.

Powhatan leaves San Francisco for Panama

Name: Tateishi Onojiro

Date: April 7, 1860

Location: San Francisco

Today we will leave the kind and welcoming San Francisco for Panama. President Teschemacher came on board before we left to say goodbye and send his best wishes to the embassy. In return, the embassy thanked him for his kindness during their stay. I will miss San Francisco because this will always be the place where I first stepped foot on American land. San Francisco is where I learned about American culture and I will always treasure this place. I hope to come back here in the future, although now, I really wish to conclude the business in Washington so I could finally go back home to Japan. I love going on this wonderful adventure but I really want to go home and eat some bean-curd soup and other delicious Japanese foods.

Powhatan Leaves San Francisco for Panama

Muragaki Norimasa;Lord of Awaji, Commissioner for Foreign Affairs, and Governor of Kanagawa. San Francisco on the Powhatan ,April 7, 1860

San Francisco was such a wonderful place to stay. I am sorry to say that we are now leaving this prosperous and beautiful city. I will never forget this place. It is in this city that all us Japanese set foot first in America. We also got our first experiences with the American culture here. Now it is time for us on the Powhatan to leave for Panama and later, Washington. My mission is not yet done until I reach Washington and meet the President. I am very sad at the fact that the Kanrin Maru cannot accompany us on our trip to Panama or Washington and has to go straight back to Japan. Our stay in San Francisco is one I will definitely never forget.

Powhatan Leaves San Francisco for Panama

Teschemacher
President of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors
San Francisco
April 7th, 1860

Today, the Japanese have finished their final preparations and are ready to leave on the USS Powhatan. After spending time in the city and getting all of their business done here, they are headed towards their next destination, Panama. During their stay in the city, they have learned a lot about the way we do things. In return, we got to learn about the Japanese culture and tradition. I escorted them to the ship and we exchanged our goodbyes. They were very thankful for our hospitality and we were happy to help. Even though they had just left, a part of me misses having them around. I will never forget this wonderful experience.

Powhatan Leaves San Francisco For Panama

Josiah Tattnall

Commodore; U.S.S Powhatan

Pacific Ocean

April 7th, 1860

Our time here in San Francisco has come to an end. Today, we depart for Panama, where we will travel to the Atlantic Ocean using the Panama Canal. After that, we will navigate to Washington D.C, where the Japanese officials will meet the current president of the United States, Abraham Lincoln. Then, I believe that we will take the same route back in order to return to Japan. However, I still believe that we should have taken the route around the Cape of Good Hope. Meanwhile, some Japanese officials will be riding to New York City by train, then will arrive independently to Washington D.C. Upon our departure, a salute of seventeen cannons was given by the military parts of San Francisco, including the warships and the military fort. I will not forget the experiences I had in this city.

Morita, Japanese treasurer, visits San Francisco Mint

Manjiro John Nakahama

Samurai, Translator

San Francisco Mint

April 6th, 186o

It is nearing the end of our visit in America and lately we have been trying to fit in a few last events. Earlier today, our treasurer, Morita, visited the San Francisco Mint where he was honorably welcomed. Primarily, the purpose of the visit was to exchange American currency for Mexican currency, seeing as it will be greatly needed for the trip to Panama in a few days. Unfortunately, those of us traveling on the Kanrin Maru cannot progress in our journey due to ship repairs. It has been said that this may not be for another month or so. For me this is bittersweet; I love being in San Francisco and absorbing the culture here, but at the same time, I very much wish to explore other foreign countries as well.

Morita, Japanese treasurer, visits S.F. Mint

Governor Downey
Morita, Japanese treasurer, visits S.F. Mint
California Governor’s Office
April 6, 1860
Today, Mr. Morita, the treasurer of Japan, visited the Mint located in San Francisco. I am not familiar with Japanese currency, so I cannot give an opinion on the subject. But from what I have heard, the treasurer was quite impressed with our currency system. This will be the last visit to a Government facility for the Japanese; they are set to leave tomorrow, April 7, for Panama. We have done our best to impress the Japanese, and what’s done is done, who knows what the future holds for us.

Katsu Rintaro

Captain of Kanrin Maru

San Francisco

April 6, 1860

Today, our Japanese treasurer, Morita visited the San Francisco Mint. There he exchanged the ambassador's Mexican silver dollars for some of the American's currency. The San Francisco Mint offered a huge stock of gold bars, which astonished our fellow treasurer. Meanwhile, my crew and I were preparing for tomorrow's departure. The time being was great for the Americans had exceptionally prepared their navy authorities to supervise us. Unfortunately, this meant that today will be our last day in this wondrous city.

Morita, Japanese treasurer, visits the SF mint

William W. Finney
4/6/1860
Today, the Japanese treasurer, Morita, experienced something that I would have never been lucky enough to experience. The Japanese treasurer, Morita, was lucky enough to receive the opportunity to visit the San Francisco Mint. According to my friends aboard the USS Powhatan, an invitation to visit the San Francisco Mint is very rare and a great honor. In the San Francisco Mint, Morita was allowed to see more money than I could ever imagine and have. However, my officers friends of the USS Powhatan were unsure whether Morita’s visit to the San Francisco Mint was of pleasure or business. Personally, I believe Morita’s visit was strictly of business for the Japanese embassy, mainly because of the fact that I could not be trusted inside a bank or mint by myself.

Morita, Japanese Treasurer, Visits the SF Mint

Teschemacher
President of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors
San Francisco
April 6th, 1860

Tomorrow will be the last day the Japanese will be in the city. Because they are leaving soon, they have to finish up their business here. Today, Morita, the Japanese treasurer, visited the San Francisco Mint with some of the officers. After spending a decent amount of time inside the city, Morita never got the chance to take a look inside. He must have been extremely excited to visit the mint. Inside the mint, the Japanese will be able to see how we make our money. Also, they will be able to spot differences in our currency compared to theirs. Although they will be able to witness these things, their main reason for visiting is to exchange American currency into Mexican currency. After everything is finished, they will pack for their trip to Panama. Hopefully, they will enjoy visiting the mint.

Morita, Japanese Treasurer, visits the SF Mint

Muragaki Norimasa;Lord of Awaji, Commissioner for Foreign Affairs, and Governor of Kanagawa. San Francisco,April 6, 1860

Today, Morita, the treasurer of Japan, visited the San Francisco Mint. Here he traded Mexican silver dollars for American money. He , a few others and I got the chance to watch how coins were made. We were also very surprised to see so many gold bars in one place too. Anyway, yesterday Admiral Tattnall left for Panama and later Washington with his ship, the Golden Age. Before he left the Powhatan, everyone lined up to say their goodbyes. The Kanrin Maru is being fixed right now for her journey back to Japan. Unfortunately the Kanrin Maru won't go to Panama or Washington with us. Well I guess to the Kanrin Maru and her crew have a safe journey home!

Morita, Japanese treasurer, visits the SF Mint

Name: Tateishi Onojiro

Date: April6, 1860

Location: San Francisco

Today Morita, our Japanese treasurer went to the San Francisco Mint to exchange Mexican currency to American currency. Tomorrow the Powhatan will leave the beautiful city of San Francisco and set sail to Panama. The Kanrin Maru, however, has to be repaired so they will not leave until the end of the month. I will miss seeing the unique women and learning about the American cultures. I will also miss eating all the amazing food that I have tasted in America. This has been a long journey but it is not over yet for we still have many places to go. I miss Japan and I long to go home.

Morite, Japanese Treasurer, Visits the San Francisco Mint

Kimura Yoshitake
Commander of the Kanrin Maru
San Francisco
April 6, 1860

Today, our treasurer visited the San Francisco Mint. He exchanged the Mexican silver dollars for American currency. I heard he also got a chance to see the making of coins and the large amount of gold the San Francisco Mint had. Yesterday, Admiral Tattnall left to go to Panama and Washington and Captain Taylor left for Aspinwall. Before they left, I went on board to bid them farewell. I hope they have a good trip. On the other hand, the Kanrin Maru is undergoing repairs before it sets back home to Japan. We are estimating it should be ready by the end of the month. I am very grateful to be a part of this great adventure.

morita visiting SF mint

Shinmi Masaoki

4/6/10

Today the Japanese Treasurer visited the SF Mint. I've spent a while in San Francisco and saw many cites and people. Some great and some not so great. Being around with a great man such as Morita is an honor and it's even greater since he is the Japanese treasurer. Five days ago I was at the Academy of Music, but now I am around a great man from my own country. I myself am pretty accomplished being the chief ambassador of the Japanese delegation but this is a man I can relate to. The SF mint is very nice, there is lots of gold there and gold is very valuable so this place is considered very valuable. I know that one day I will be able to impress my grandkids and tell them I was at such a site.

Morita, Japanese Treasurer Visits The SF Mint

Josiah Tattnall

Commodore; U.S.S Powhatan

April 6th, 1860

San Francisco

Today, Morita and several other Japanese and American officials went to the San Franciscan Mint. Apparently, with the recent discovery of gold, San Francisco now has the highest supply in the world. So high, in fact, that the world's gold prices are plummeting as a result of the amount of gold that is being mined out of the area around here. I believe that I can speak for myself and the other members of this expedition when I say that this is quite a pleasant surprise. Once again, I must say, that the amount of gold being extracted from the mountains in this region is quite shocking, in a positive way.

reception at academy of music

4/1/10

Shinmi masaoki

Today I and the rest of the Japanese embassy were received at the Academy of Music. The building is amazing. Huge and beautiful, I just loved the design. It felt great being there, I felt very special and fascinated, seeing all those statues and plaques on musicians. I remember about nine days ago I toured SF and spent the night at the International Hall but that seems like nothing now after being in the Academy of Music.

Reception for Japanese Embassy at the Academy of Music

Teschemacher
President of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors
San Francisco
April 1st, 1860

Today, the Japanese were in for a wonderful treat. After spending the night at the International Hotel, they received news of a once in a lifetime experience to go and visit the Academy of Music. Yesterday, when I gave them a tour of the city, I noticed many of the Japanese were really fascinated with what they saw. If they enjoyed my tour, I know they will definitely enjoy the Academy of Music. Everything about it will be a great experience for them. Although I do realize that the weather isn't the best this morning, I have a good feeling that the sun will come out as the day progresses. Hopefully this will lead to a very wonderful day for them.

Reception for Japanese Embassy at the Academy of Music

Manjiro John Nakahama

Samurai/Translator

Academy of Music, San Francisco

April 1st, 186o

Once again blessed with the experience of a lifetime, today we visited the Academy of Music. At first I thought that the heavy rain would dampen our day, but the bad weather was easily made up for once we set foot inside the academy building. It was like a whole festival all packed into one large room. We noticed that there were people from other countries too, mostly European. I particularly loved the atmosphere that was presented at the academy. I am a big fan and follower of music so it was a real treat to hear the most recent styles and artists. The musicians played both Japanese and American music and it was interesting to hear the contrasts between the two. Another thing that made the reception so different from our traditional celebrations back home was the fact that women were allowed to attend. At first I thought it strange but it was nice to have their company.

Reception for Japanese Embassy at the Academy of Music

Kimura Yoshitake
Commander of the Kanrin Maru
San Francisco
April 1, 1860

The touring of San Francisco has not stopped. Today, the Japanese embassy went to the Academy of Music. However, I decided to forego the reception and go to Mare Island to check on Commodore Cunningham. He was still not quite well but he was gradually getting better. I sent Captain Katsu to represent me at the ceremony. I hear it was very entertaining and interesting. My friends told me that the uniforms were very unique and quite "showy." The streets were decorated with American and Japanese flags. San Francisco was proud to help show off the new Academy of Music building. All in all, today was a pretty good day and i sincerely hope my friend Commodore Cunningham gets well soon.

Reception for Japanese Embassy @ the Academy of Music

Muragaki Norimasa;Lord of Awaji, Commissioner for Foreign Affairs, and Governor of Kanagawa. San Francisco,April 1, 1860

It was raining in the morning and by noon the weather cleared and the sun was out. We were accompanied by seven, first military officers to the Academy Of Music. I was overwhelmed at the sight of so many people and this unique building. From the ceiling hung three beautiful glass decorations with six to seven balls hanging from it. There was also men dressed in red suits playing music. Then the mayor made a very long speech and made toasts to the Emperor and the President at the end. A lot of people were singing loudly. Normaly, we would have bowed and traded cups of sake, but here it is almost quite the opposite. I guess now you can say new land, new experiences.

Japanese Tour SF and spend the Night at the International Hotel

Muragaki Norimasa;Lord of Awaji, Commissioner for Foreign Affairs, and Governor of Kanagawa. San Francisco,March 31, 1860

Today was an extraordinary day. Despite the weather anyway. Today we toured around the city and are staying at the beautiful International Hotel. We went pretty much everywhere. I am not used to the fact that women here are allowed to be anywhere and everywhere. Anyway, the International Hotel was so beautiful. The carpets with their flower prints was one of the prettiest things I have ever seen. My eyes were captured by one specific object, a porcelin chamber pot. It was so pretty. I have never been or stayed in a grander place in my life. The Americans have such big hearts for letting us stay here.

Name: Tateishi Onojiro

Date: April 1st, 1860

Location: Academy of Music, San Francisco

This morning, San Francisco was a cloudy city but at noon, everything cleared up and the sun came out. My, the weather sure changes fast in San Francisco. Today, at the reception, we met many consuls from other countries such as Italy, France, Britian, and Russia. They were all dressed in ostentatious clothing and I thought they looked funny compared to our Japanese style of clothing. It was a wonderful celebration and the San Francisco citizens were very kind. The Americans were drinking a lot of wine, dancing to loud music, and singing songs loudly after the mayor gave a long speech. We did not know what they were celebrating but we still joined in anyway. It was fun and entertaining and I really enjoyed this memorable day.

Reception for Japanese Embassy at the Academy of Music

William W. Finney
4/1/1860 Oh how I envy the luck of the Japanese officers of the Kanrin Maru! The Japanese officers of the Kanrin Maru and the Japanese embassy received their own personal reception at the Academy of Music. Unfortunately I was not popular or important enough to receive an invitation to the reception at the Academy of Music, but my officer friends of the USS Powhatan were lucky enough to attend the reception. According to my officer friends of the USS Powhatan, the reception at the Academy of Music was quite grand and overall very wonderful. The reception included both American and traditional Japanese entertainment. However, my officer friends did observe that the Japanese officers seemed to like and enjoy the Japanese entertainment slightly more than the American entertainment

Reception for Japanese embassy at the Academy of music

Fukizawa Yukichi (Captain Kimura's assistant/ Translator)
San Francisco's Academy of Music
April 1st, 1860
Today we are going to visit the Academy of Music. I had always been curious to examine the American's perspective of musical arts. Surprisingly, the American's composition of classical music was rather soothing. In Japan, music plays a big role in the background of operas. In America, music are composed to express one's feelings. The Americans uses instruments that help the music sound more vivid, so the audience can visualize images in their head. As for us Japanese, music is a part of our culture. Overall, I would say today was quite amusing. I think I would've enjoyed it more if I wasn't so busy translating Captain Kimura's conversation with Mayor Teschemacher.

Reception for Japanese embassy at the Academy of Music

Governor Downey
Reception for Japanese embassy at the Academy of Music
California Governor’s Office
April 1, 1860
The Japanese arrived in San Francisco on March, 17, and today is the 1st of April. So much time has passed since they have been here. Yesterday, they were given a tour of the city, in which Supervisor Teschemacher was put in charge of. They also stayed at the International Hotel for a night, where they experienced the kind and wonderful hospitality of the American people. Today, they will attend a music reception at the Academy of Music, where they will listen to amazing and beautiful pieces by some of the greatest musicians ever lived. Though I am Governor, I am starting to become jealous of the luxurious being bestowed upon the Japanese. I certainly hope they are enjoying their stay in the United States.

Katsu Rintaro

Captain of Kanrin Maru

April 1, 1860

Kanrin Maru

During the travel to the Academy of Music, where I will be listening to talented musicians performing, I saw many shops decorated with Japanese and American flags. It was a great excitement to see street offices adorned with flags that portrayed a nice welcome. The performance was spectacular. Although i would admit that the performers had a strange attire; red shirt with tight sleeves. But the place was absolutely beautiful. They really tried to recreate the Japanese peony tree with shiny glass balls hanging from the ceiling and with the white walls that compliment the whole image. Today might had been the most lovely day of the whole trip in San Francisco!

Katsu Rintaro

Captain of Kanrin Maru

March 31, 1860

Kanrin Maru

What an amazing day! An informative tour around the city, followed by an exquisite stay at the finest hotel. The high end officials of San Francisco showed my crew members and I around the famous city. We tasted many different interesting snacks, plus we stopped by Chinatown for a bit. I felt a nostalgic feeling as I tasted little dishes of Asian delicacy during the visit in Chinatown. After being introduced around this very magnificent city, these Americans showed us to the place where we will be resting for the night.

Reception For Japanese Embassy At The Academy Of Music

Josiah Tattnall

Commodore; U.S.S Powhatan

April 1st, 1860

San Francisco

Once again, more rain. Ever since we have landed upon San Francisco, every day has been unfavorable, causing us to be confined to our quarters within the hotel. The Japanese have left for a reception at the Academy of Music, and Teschemacher is most likely there. At least I'm not alone. Some of my crew and some Japanese ambassadors, including Vice-Ambassador Muragaki, have stayed inside. The Vice-Ambassador was strangely curious about the lamps on the street and how they were powered by gas instead of oil. I have also learned that the Japanese carry around materials instead of using horses, which I believe to be very inefficient.