NAKAHAMA, Manjiro - OGAWA, Ryosuke.

Inquire · Offered by Peter Harrington

Manuscript report of Manjiro's interview in Nagasaki. A manuscript copy of the report made by the magistrate of Nagasaki, Maki Shima no Kami, after he interviewed Nakahama Manjiro in 1851. It recounts the story of Nakahama's shipwreck and rescue, life in America, and return to Japan. It also features an in-depth description of O'ahu in Hawai'i.In 1841, Nakahama (1827-1898) and his four friends were fishing off the coast of Tosa Province when they were caught in a storm and shipwrecked. They were rescued by an American whaler and taken to Hawai'i, then Nakahama onwards to America. After returning to Japan in 1851 he was extensively questioned about his experiences.Maki Shima no Kami's interview report consists of three parts: an account of Nakahama's travels, descriptions of the places he visited, and a list of items he came back with. This manuscript comprises the complete first part and extracts from the second part. In his account, Nakahama describes his shipwreck, travels to Hawai'i, learning the English alphabet while sailing to America, arrival in New Bedford, and experiences of California during the Gold Rush. He remarks on currency and units of measure, the architecture of mid-19th century America, and the state of technology and commerce. He also describes Hawai'i, noting the geography, flora and fauna, seasons, people, food, and ceremonies of the islands. The compiler possibly prepared this manuscript for an unreleased publication. He titled it Tosa no kuni hata gun

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