J A P A N E S E ! C I .O C K .
3M:OES W O R N B Y J A P A N E S E .
undergarment reaching below the knees, over which was thrown carelessly
a brown sack with wide sleeves, made of grass or skins. Their dishevelled
hair and rude costume gave them a wild look, and they had a dirty, poverty-
stricken aspect. Their chief occupation is that of fishing, which they carry
on under the eye and for the benefit of their Japanese taskmasters, to whose
absolute will they are subject.
Though the people of Hakodadi are generally engaged in the fisheries,
and occupations connected with a nautical life, there are, of course, to be
found in the town persons of all classes, trades, and occupations.
In speaking, moreover, in the course of the following remarks, upon
Japanese life, as illustrated by manners, habits, customs, and occupations,
chiefly observed at Hakodadi, it must not be inferred that what is said
applies exclusively to the inhabitants of that place, as a more general bearing
is intended.
In the practical and mechanical arts, the Japanese show great dexterity
; and when the rudeness of their tools and their imperfect knowledge of
machinery are considered, the perfection of their manual skill appears
marvellous. Their handicraftsmen are as expert as any in the world, and,
with a freer development of the inventive powers of the people, the Japanese
would not remain long behind the most successful manufacturing
nations. Their curiosity to learn the results of the material progress of
other people, and their readiness in adapting them to their own uses, would
soon, under a less exclusive policy of government, which isolates them from
national communion, raise them to a level with the most favored countries.
Once possessed of the acquisitions of the past and present of the civilized
world, the Japanese would enter as powerful competitors in the race for
mechanical success in the future.
Every American admired the skilful workmanship of the carpenters as
displayed in the construction of the wood-work in the houses, the nice
adjustment and smooth finish of the jointing, the regularity of the flooring,
and the neat framing and easy working of the window casements and movable
door panels and screens. The general designs of the houses and public
buildings were very inferior to the execution of the details of construction.
The former’ were uniform, and probably in accordance with the ancient
models, and showed a constraint of inventive power within rules doubtless
prescribed by government, while the latter evinced that perfection of finish
which belongs alone to progressive experience. As in the carpentry, so in
the masonry, there was no freedom nor boldness of conception, but the
most complete execution. Their stone was well cut, and their walls strongly
and regularly built, generally in the massive cyclopean style.
The coopers were found to be very expert at Hakodadi, where a large
number of barrels was constantly in the process of manufacture for packing
the dried and salted fish. The barrels are firkin-shaped, bulging at the