First Japanese Visitor to USA Describes American Life // 1860 Tokugawa Embassy // Primary Source
This account describes a Japanese individual's journey to learn English and their subsequent voyage to America in the mid-19th century. After struggling to communicate with foreigners in Japan, the individual decided to learn English, gathering help from anyone who knew the language. They then embarked on a historic, unassisted voyage to America on a Japanese warship. Upon arrival in San Francisco, they encountered many new customs, such as carriages, ice in drinks, and widespread use of carpets, which were surprising. They also noted the apparent waste of iron and the high cost of goods. The individual was particularly astonished by the casual attitude towards George Washington's descendants, contrasting with Japan's reverence for founding families. Despite initial cultural shock, they found Americans to be very generous and helpful. The experience highlighted the differences in social customs and ways of thinking rather than technological advancements, as many inventions were already understood in Japan. The journey ultimately led to the individual becoming an English teacher in Japan, furthering the study of foreign languages.
Key Vocabulary
Moving or extending in a direction to the side rather than forward or backward; horizontally, as opposed to vertically.
Examples:
- The crab scuttled sideways across the sand, disappearing into a small crevice.
- She tried to fit the large box through the narrow doorway by turning it sideways.
- The car began to slide sideways on the icy road, much to the driver's alarm.
Skillful navigation or movement; the act of guiding or moving something with skill and care, often to achieve a specific position or avoid obstacles.
Examples:
- The pilot displayed impressive maneuvering skills to land the plane safely in the crosswinds.
- Careful maneuvering was required to park the large truck in the tight space.
- Her ability in maneuvering through complex social situations made her a valuable asset to the team.
A boat propelled primarily by sails, though it may also have an auxiliary engine.
Examples:
- They spent their summer vacation cruising the Caribbean in a small sailboat.
- The regatta featured dozens of colorful sailboats gliding across the lake.
- Learning to operate a sailboat requires an understanding of wind and currents.
A term used in a historical context to refer to a sailor or mariner; a member of a ship's crew.
Examples:
- The seasoned semen tied the complex knot with practiced ease.
- All semen aboard the vessel were expected to perform their duties diligently.
- The captain addressed the semen before the long voyage, outlining the challenges ahead.
Riding on the back of a horse.
Examples:
- They explored the vast ranch by riding horseback for several hours.
- The ancient messengers often traveled long distances horseback to deliver important news.
- She dreamed of taking a leisurely ride horseback through the countryside.
A person or thing that is mysterious, puzzling, or difficult to understand.
Examples:
- The sudden disappearance of the ancient civilization remains an enigma to historians.
- His quiet demeanor and unpredictable actions made him an enigma to his colleagues.
- Solving the mathematical enigma required weeks of intense concentration.
On fire; burning.
Examples:
- The abandoned building was set afire by vandals, sending smoke into the sky.
- His passion for justice set his spirit afire, motivating him to fight for what was right.
- The dry tinder quickly went afire with a single spark.
Able to be identified or known; familiar.
Examples:
- Even after years, her distinctive laugh was instantly recognizable.
- The artist's unique style made his paintings easily recognizable.
- The landmark was barely recognizable after the extensive renovations.
A gentle but firm warning or reprimand about a fault or error.
Examples:
- The teacher's admonition to pay attention was clear, but the students continued to whisper.
- He ignored the repeated admonitions about the dangers of speeding.
- Her manager offered a polite admonition regarding the missed deadline.
A portable metal container for holding burning coals or charcoal, used for heating or cooking.
Examples:
- The street vendor kept warm by huddling near a small charcoal brazier.
- The blacksmith used a large brazier to heat the metal before shaping it.
- Guests gathered around the outdoor brazier to enjoy the evening air.
Burned and blackened; partially burned so as to blacken the surface.
Examples:
- After the forest fire, only charred remains of the trees stood against the sky.
- The chef carefully charred the peppers over an open flame to enhance their flavor.
- He found an old, charred piece of wood that looked like it had been part of a campfire.
Flowing in a small stream; moving slowly and gradually.
Examples:
- Water was trickling down the mountain path after the heavy rain.
- News of the discovery began trickling out to the public.
- A faint stream of sunlight was trickling through the blinds.
Small, thin, or delicate pieces or strands of something.
Examples:
- Wisps of fog drifted across the meadow in the early morning.
- She styled her hair so that a few wisps framed her face.
- Only faint wisps of smoke remained from the extinguished candle.
Forced out or ejected; discharged.
Examples:
- The machine expelled the finished products onto the conveyor belt.
- He was expelled from the club for consistently breaking the rules.
- The volcano expelled ash and gas into the atmosphere.
A unit of power, equal to 550 foot-pounds per second, used in rating engines.
Examples:
- The new sports car boasted an impressive 500 horsepower engine.
- The tractor's horsepower was sufficient for plowing the large field.
- Engineers are constantly working to increase the horsepower of vehicles while improving fuel efficiency.
Bivalve mollusks, typically found in coastal waters, often consumed as food.
Examples:
- Fresh oysters are a delicacy, especially when served on the half shell with a squeeze of lemon.
- The restaurant was known for its raw bar, featuring a variety of local oysters.
- Diving for oysters can be a challenging but rewarding experience.
A pace of a horse or other quadruped, faster than a walk but slower than a canter or gallop, in which diagonal pairs of legs move forward at the same time.
Examples:
- The rider urged the horse into a steady trot along the bridle path.
- The pony began to trot excitedly when it saw its owner approaching.
- He enjoyed the rhythmic trot of the horses during his morning ride.
A boy or young man.
Examples:
- The young lad eagerly helped his grandfather in the garden.
- He was a spirited lad, always full of energy and curiosity.
- The old man shared stories of his youth with the attentive lad.
Stolen or taken dishonestly.
Examples:
- The detective recovered the purloined jewels from the suspect's hiding place.
- He confessed to having purloined a few items from the office supply cabinet.
- The artist was accused of using purloined ideas in his latest work.
Begged someone earnestly or desperately to do something.
Examples:
- She implored her friend to reconsider the decision, feeling it was a mistake.
- The desperate villagers implored the king for aid during the famine.
- He implored the judge for leniency, explaining his difficult circumstances.