Japan
Etymology and other names
| Modern | Japan |
| Marcus Paulus | Ziprangri |
| Maginus | Ghryse |
| Mercator | The Golden Chersonesus |
| Mercator | Iapan |
| ~Europeans | Japon |
History
Geography
Maps
Demographics
Economy
Culture
Government
Military
Education
Transportation
Notable People
Sources from old books
1635. Historia mundi: or Mercator's atlas. London. by Gerhard Mercator.
THIS Iland Marcus Paulus calleth Ziprangri, Maginus heretofore call'd it Ghryse, and Mercator the golden Chersonesus: but they call it commonly Iapan.
There are three chiefe Ilands, as Peter Maffejus witnesseth, some other scattering Ilands which lye by them, and are separated from them by armes of the Sea which flow betweene them. The first and the greatest is call'd Iapan, which is devided into three and fifty Signiories or Lordships: the chiefe whereof are Meaci, and Amaguncij. The second is called Ximo, and it hath 9. Lordships, the chiefe whereof are Bungi, and Figen. The third is Xicoum which containeth 4. Kingdomes.
The length of the whole Iland as some doe report is almost 200. leagues: but breadth is not so much, for it is no where above 30. leagues broad, and in some places but 10. There is no certainty concerning the compasse of it. It lyeth Northward from the Aequinoctiall from the 30. degree, almost to the 38. degree. On the East it hath new Spaine; on the North Scythia, or Tartary, on the West China: and on the South a great Sea betweene it and undiscover'd Lands.
It hath a wholesome Climate, but it hath much cold and Snow, neither is it very fruitfull. In the moneth of September they doe reape their Rice, and in some places they doe reape Wheate in May, neither doe make Bread of it, but a kinde of Pudding. The Inhabitants doe digge divers sorts of Mettals out of bowels of the Earth, which maketh other remote Nations come to trade with them. And this Iland hath such store of Gold, that as Marcus Paulus Venetus witnesseth, the Kings Royall Palace was cover'd, with streets of Gold, as we cover Houses with Lead or Brasse. They have Trees for delight and bearing of fruit like ours. And in many places there is great store of Cedar Trees, which are so tall and thick, that Carpenters make Pillars of Churches of them, and Masts for Ships of great burthen. The Japonians doe not keep Sheepe, Hogs, Hens, nor Geese about their Houses, But in the Fields and Meddowes there are whole Droves of Oxen and Horses: and the Forrests and Thickets are full of Wolves, Connyes, Boares, and Harts. And it hath divers sorts of Fowle, as Pheasants, Duckes, Ring-Doves, Turtle-Doves, Starlings, and Moorehens. Iapan was heretofore subject to one Emperour or Governour, who was called Vo or Dair, untill he growing •ffeminate with long peace, and addicting himselfe to pleasure and idlenesse, began to bee contemned and despised of his owne Nobles, and especially the Cubi, for so the two chiefe Noblemen were call'd, who afterward slew one another. But he is counted the chiefe of the Japonians, who governeth Meacum, and the Lordships neere unto it, which Country they call by one common name Tensa. The Tyrant Nobunurga did sometime possesse these parts. He being kill'd in his Throne by Conspirators, and his Children either expulsed or murdred by faction and force, Faxiba one of the chiefe Dukes succeeded after him. But now Taicosana or Taico is the Monarke of Iapan. The chiefe Citty of Iapan is Meacum, which is a great Citty, being 21. miles in compasse, but now a third part is decayd by the Ilanders civil Warres. Here the chiefe Magistrates of Iapan dwell. There are besides the famous Citty Ossacaia, which is potent, free, and the richest Citty as some suppose in all the East. Heere are a great many Merchants which resort hither from every place, of which the meanest is worth 30 thousand Crownes, and the other are incredible rich. Bungum is is a chiefe Citty, and well seated, in which there is a great number of Christians. There is also the Citty Coya sacred to one Bontius, whom they call Combodassi. All the Princes are buryed in this Citty, or if otherwheres, yet they send one of their teeth at least to be buryed here; so much do they reverence this place. Fiongo is a Citty 18 leagues distant from Meacum. This Citty in Nobunungas time was for the most part wasted. And an Earthquake in the yeare 1596. ouerthrew a great part of it, and afterward the greatest part of that which remained was burnt. There is also the Citty Amangasaqui fiue leagues from the Sea over against Sacai. It hath also Vosuquin, Funaium, and Tosa, which are all faire Citties, and others, which for brevity sake I omit. Here are many Havens, among which Ochinofamanus, in which a great number of Ships doe lie at Roade. And it hath many Mountaines, but especially two which are very high, the one of which doth daily cast forth flames of fire, on the top whereof the Devill, though a cleere transparent cloud doth appeare to men: the other is called Figenojama, which is very high, so that it is some leagues above the clouds. They doe build magnificent Temples, and sumptuous Friaries and Nunneries, and proud Palaces. We have formerly out of Paulus Venetus mentioned the royall Palace, which was coverd with sheetes of Gold. And it is reported also that the Halls and Parlors were coverd in the same manner. Neither are they now lesse sumptuous and magnificent in such kinde of workes. Taico or Taicosama who was Monarke hereof did build a Court here, which he coverd with a thousand rich Carpets with silke Fringes, and every one of these Carpets were 8. lands breadth long, and 4. broad. It was built with very precious wood, and so gilded within, that it may seeme incredible. Before this Court in a faire Plaine, he commanded that a Theater should be raised for acting of Comoedies. I passe by other matters for brevity sake. The most have woodden houses in regard they have frequent Earthquakes, and some have houses built from the ground of stone, very neately and curiously. At Meacum those three men live, who have the chiefe power thorow the Iland, and are the prime men of all the Kingdome. The first, who is called Zazo, is like the chiefe Priest to looke to Church matters. The second is called Voo, who looketh to the conferring and bestowing of dignities and honours. The third call'd Cubacama, looketh to matters of peace, of warre. But the people of this Ile are devided into five Orders, the first are the Magistrates and Governours, which they call by a common name Toni, although the Toni there are severall degrees of dignity, as wee have Kings, Dukes, Marquesses, and Earles. The next Order is the Clergie, whose heads are shaven, and doe live a single life. There are divers sects of them. And there are some who like the Knights of the Rhodes are both Souldiers and Churchmen. But they are called by one common appellation or name Bonzij. The third order consists of the Citizens, and the other Nobility. The next are the Merchants and Tradsmen, and the last are the Husbandmen. All kindes of Delinquents and Malefactors are punished either with banishment or death. They are commonly executed with a Sword: but in some places these Theeves that are taken, are carried thorow the Citty on a Hurdle, and so executed out of the Citty. In matters of religion they do miserably erre, for those aforesaid Bonzij are their Tutors in religion, and their two Gods are Amida and Xoca. And they have other Gods also to whom they pray for future blessings, which they call Fotoques. And they have other inferiour Gods which have power to give them health, children, wealth, and those things which appertaine to the body: these they call Camis. Here are divers Schooles in many places, which we call Academies. There is a Schoole in the Towne Banoum, where they solemnly take Degrees from the Rector or Governour thereof. And amongst the rest there is a Seminary of Jesuits, in which the Japonians doe learne the Portugall language, and the Europeans the Japonian language. Moreover the Japonians doe use Printing. And generally they are a witty, crafty people, and have good naturall gifts, both for judgement, dociblenesse, and memory. Poverty is no reproach nor disgrace to any one. They hate cursing, stealing, and rash swearing. They are of a tall lusty stature, and comely of body. They are strong and lusty, and able to beare armes untill they bee threescore yeeres old. They have but little beards; but they weare their haire after divers fashions, the youths doe pull off all the haire on the forepart of their head, and the common people doe pull off halfe the haire on their heads. And Noblemen doe pull off all, except it bee some few haires which are left at the hinder part of their head, and it is held an affront for any one to presume to touch them. They lay faire Carpets or Quilts upon the ground, and upon them they sleepe, and dine upon them, kneeling on their knees, and sitting on their thighs. They have as great a care of cleanlinesse as the Chinoans, who by the helpe of two stalkes which they use at meales, doe neither let any thing fall by, nor have no need to wipe their fingers. They come to supper without shooes, that so they may not foule the Carpet with treading on it. The poorer sort especially by the Sea side doe live by Hearbs, Rice, and Fish: the rich have great sett Banquets: at every Dish the Guests Trenchers are changed which have no Napkins belonging to them but are made of Cedar or Pine wood, and are a hand-breadth thick. Their meate is served in, in the forme of a Pyramis, besprinkled with Gold, with Cypresse boughes sticking in it. And sometimes Fowle with gilded Bills and Feete, are brought in whole in great Dishes. Here the Portugals doe trade, for here are found great store of Pearles, and Rubies, and other Pretious Stones, and also Gold which doe make the Iland very rich.
1638. The merchants mappe of commerce wherein by Lewes Roberts.
Of the Iland of Iapan, and the Trade thereof.
JAPAN is scituated over against Canton in China, having in length 600 miles, but narrow in breadth, in some places 90, and in some but 30 miles: it obeys 66 severall Soveraignes, the King of Tense holding the principall authority, commanding 50 of the 66 above mentioned Kingdomes, every King, Lord and Master having full power and authority over the goods and lives of the subjects, servants and children subject unto him. It was discovered by the Portugall Anno 1542, and since is much frequented by Jesuites, who in great numbers have setled themselves here, and are found to exercise trade and commerce, as cunningly and subtilly as any Jew elsewhere in the World.
Their chiefe Townes are Osacaia, Bunguin, Meaco, and are the principall Ports frequented by Merchants strangers: the commodities of this place and Ilands, is silver in some good measure •…gged up here, and carryed hence by Merchants to China to exchange for silkes, and principally rice, which is found here growing in such aboundance, that the King or Emperour draweth 2 millions of duccats yearely, out of that which is gathered from his owne possessions, which he hath received as his owne demesne; and at Firando one of the Ilands of Iapan, the English have setled a factory for trade, in 1613 by Capt. Saris labour and industrie.
The civill warres that continually vexeth these Ilands, hinders an exact survey of the materialls, whereby their trade is driven; yet so farre as I have collected I will here insert.
Their moneys currant for the most part through these Ilands are thus termed, and with some small difference have this value.
Their silver coines currant is A Tayle, A Mas, and A Condery.
A Tayle is a ℞ of 〈◊〉 or 5 sh. starling, or ½ Tayle of Siam; and this A Taile is 10 Mas, or 100 Conderies.
A Mas is 10 Conderies, or 6 d starling.
And in some places the R 8/8 passeth for 74 Condereis onely and no more.
Their gold is coyned into two small Barres of two severall sorts, the one is called an Ichebo, worth about 15 in 16 mas of silver; the other is called A Coban, worth from 60 to 68 mas, which may be valued from 30 sh. to 34 sh. starling. The warres that continually vexeth this Countrey is the cause of this inconstant rate and price thereof.
The weights in use in Iapan is the Pecull and the Cattee.
A Pecull is 10 Cattees.
A Cattee is accounted by some 21 ounces, and by some 20¾ o•… haberdepois; so that a pecul is about 130 li. or 131 li, English.
Their measure of length is an Inckhen or Tattamy, which is 〈◊〉. yards English; 25 yards being 12 Tattamies.
Their measure for rice is thus accounted,
A Gant is 3 Cocas, being as much as three English alepints.
An Icke Gaga is 100 Gantas.
One Ickmagog is 1000 Ickgogas.
One Mangoga is 10000 Ickmagogs.
1652. Cosmographie in four bookes by Peter Heylyn.
JAPAN is an aggregate body of many Ilands, separated by small Gulfs, Streights, and turnings of the Sea, but taking name from Japan, the chief of all. Some reckon them to be 66. in all; others ascribe that number to so many Kingdoms into which these Ilands (be they in number more or less) use to be divided. But whatsoever the number be (the certainty whereof I can no where find) there are three only of accompt, to which the severall petit Kingdoms are now reduced: that is to say,
- Japan specially so called, which containeth 53 Kingdoms; of which 26 are under the King of Meace, 12 under the King of Amagunce, the other 15 under other Princes of inferior note.
- IXimo, which containeth in it nine Realms, the principall whereof are those of Bungo and Figen.
- Xicoum, which comprehendeth four onely of these petit Signeuries.
JAPAN, the chief of all these Ilands, to which the residue may be accompted of but as Appurtenances, is situate over against the streights of Anian, towards which it looketh to the North: distant from New Spain on the East 150 leagues, or 450 English miles; and 60 leagues from Cantan a Province of China, opposite to it on the West. On the South it hath the vast Ocean, and those infinite sholes of Ilands which are called the Phillippinae, and the Isles neighbouring upon them. Extending in length from West to the East 200 leagues, but the breadth not proportionable thereunto: in some places not above ten leagues over, and in the broadest parts but thirty.
The Country mountainous and barren, but of a very healthy air, if not too much subject unto cold, yet in some places they have Wheat ripe in the moneth of May; but their Rice, which is their principall sustenance, they gather not before September. The surface of the Earth, clothed with woods and forrests, in which some Cedars of so tall and large a body, that one of them onely is sufficient to make a Pillar for a Church: the bowels of it stored with divers metals, and amongst others with such inexhausible mines of gold, that Paulus Venetus reporteth some of the Palaces of their Kings to be covered in this time with sheets of gold, as ours in Europe are with lead. But I find no such matter in our latter travellers. Their Fields and Medows full of Cattel, but hitherto not made acquainted with the making of Butter; their Fens much visited by wild-Ducks, as their house yards with Pigeons, Turtles, Quails, and pullen.
The People for the most part of good understanding, apt to learn, and of able memories; cunning and subtil in their dealings. Of body vigorous and strong, accustomed to bear Arms until 60 years old. Their complexion of an Olive-Colour, their beards thin, and the one half of the hair of their heads shaved off. Patient they are of pain, ambitious of glory, uncapable of suffering wrong, but can withall dissemble their resentments of it till opportunity of revenge. They reproach no man for his poverty, so it come not by his own unthrifciness, for which cause they detest all kinds of gaming, as the wayes of ill-husbandry; and generally abhorre standering, these, and swearing. Their mourning commonly is in white, as their feasts in black; their teeth they colour black also to make them beautiful; they mount on the right side of the horse, and sit, (as we are used to rise) when they entertain. In Physick they eat salt things, sharp, and raw; and in their salutations they put off their shooes. The very Antipodes of our world in customs, though not in site: and the true type or Figure of the old English Puritan, opposite to the Papist in things fit and decent, though made ridiculous many times by that opposition. In other things they do much resemble those of China, if not the more ceremonious of the two: washing their infant-children in the neerest River, as soon as born; and putting off their shooes when they go to meat.
The people have but one Language, but that so intermingled with the words of others nations, that it seems rather to be many languages than one. They have long used the Art of printing, which probably enough they might have from China: the Characters whereof are a kind of Brachygraphy, and signifie not only letters, but some whole words also. In matter of Religion, Gentiles, adoring antiently the Sun, Moon, and the Stars of Heaven, and giving divine honour to wild beasts, and the Stags of the Forrests: but specially worshiping some of their deceased Priests and Princes, by the names of Fotoques, and 〈◊〉 the first of which they use to pray for goods of the other world, and to the last for Temporall blessings. Their Priests they call by the name of Bonzes, setled in goodly Conven•s, and endowed with very large Revenues: who though divided into eleven different (if not contrary) Sects, do well enough agree in denying the providence of God, and the immortality of the soul. Of late times by the care and diligence of the 〈◊〉 Christianity hath begun to take footing here; whether with such a large increase as their letters, called Epistolae Japanicae, have been pleased to tell us, I am somewhat doubtfull. They tell us there of some Kings of these Ilands whom they have converted and baptized; that within 50 miles of 〈◊〉 they had 50 Churches, 200 at the least in all, that in the year 1587 the number of their Converts was two hundred thousand. Of this, if the one half be but true, we have great cause to praise God for it, and to give them the commendation of their pains and industry: not letting pass the memory of the first 〈◊〉 who was Father Xavier, one of the first foundation of this Society, (employed in this 〈◊〉 by Ign•t••s, the first founder of it) who landed here about the year 1556.
Rivers of note I find not any, though the Iland be generally well-watered: more memorable for two mountains in it, than for all the Rivers. One of which called Fig•noiama, is said to transcend the clouds in height; the other (but without a name) useth to cast forth dreadfull flames, like Stcilian Aetna; on the top whereof the Devill environed with a white and shining cloud, doth sometimes shew himself unto such of his 〈◊〉 as live about this hill an abstemious life, like the antient Hermits.
Chief Cities of the whole Ilands,
- Meaco, seated in Japan, and the chief of that Iland, formerly 21 miles in compass, but now by reason of their warrs, scarce a third part of it. The ordinary residence of the 〈◊〉 or three principall Magistrates, which sway the affairs of all these Ilands: o• whom the first entituled 〈◊〉 hath the chief care in sacred matters; the 2d named Voo, doth preside in Civill; and the third called 〈◊〉 manageth the concernments of Peace and Warre. At this time it is used for the common E•p••y of the trade of 〈◊〉 that people not permitting Merchants to come amongst them, but bringing to this place their merchandise, as the common Staple, where they are sure to meet with Chapmen to buy it of them.
- Ossacay, a great and renowned City, conceived to be the richest in all the East; of so great trade, that every ordinary merchant is said to be worth 30000 Crowns.
- 〈◊〉 or 〈◊〉 at the foot of the chill so called, and about nine miles from Meaco. An University of the B•nze•, for whose convenience and study, one of the Kings of Japan is said to have founded in this Town, and about that mountain, 3800 Convents, and to endow it with the third part of the Revenues of the Kingdom of Vorn. These Colleges or Convents now reduced to 800 onely: but still the Vniversity of such same and credit, that they give not the command or government of it unto any but the Kings sonne, or his neerest kinsman.
- Bano•m, another of their Vniversities, where they give degrees; affirmed to be as big as Paris.
- Bongo, the chief of all that Province; in which the Jesuites have a College; the Japonues learn the Portugal language, and the Europaeans that of Japan
- Coia, the sepulture of their Princes, or of some part of them: it being antiently ordained, that if their whole bodies be not here interred, they must at least send one of their teeth.
- Fiongo, about 18. leagues from Meaco, the subject of many great misfortunes. Destroyed in part by Nabunanga one of the Kings of this Iland, who lived Anno 1550: that which he left, terribly shattered by an Earth-quake Anno 1596. most of the ruins of it since consumed by fire.
- Amangasaqui, five leagues from the Sea.
- Surungo, as big as London with the Suburbs.
- Ed•o, a much fairer than that, and the chief Seat of one of their Kings.
- Firando, a seat-Royall also of some other King, where, in the year 1613. there was a Fa•tory established for the English Merchants.
- Ochinofamanus, one of their most noted Havens.
- Tosa, or 〈◊〉 giving name to one of the Ilands.
These Ilands utterly unknown to the Antients, were first discovered by Antonio Mota, a Portugal, in the year 1542. I know Mercator taketh it for the Aure• Chersonesus spoken of by Ptolomy; and I cannot choose but wonder at it. The situation of it so far distant from that of the Chersonese, that either Mercator must be grossely out in his conjecture; or Ptolomy as much mistaken in his informations; which no man hitherto can justly accuse him of. But passing by the improbability of Mercators fancy, we are to know, that in former times these Ilands were subject to one Prince, whom they obeyed and reverenced with great affection: which government continued, as themselves report, 1600 years in great State and Majesty. But in the end, the Dairi, (so they call their King) addicting himself wholly unto pleasures, and laying the burden of Government upon other mens shoulders, his Deputies or inferiour Officers usurped Rega• power, plumed themselves with Eagles feathers, used in their stiles the name of Jucatas, or Kings; and in a word, left nothing but the name of Dairi, to their Lord and Soveraign. His issue to this day do enjoy that title, and but little else: the Princes bordering on Meac•, once his Royall seat, hardly allowing him sufficient means to find himself victuall and Apparell; but otherwise befooling him with as glorious titles, as if he were possessed still of his antient power. Onely they let him execute the place of an Harald, in giving Arms, and selling dignities and honours; which brings him in the greatest profit he hath to trust to. Of all these Kings, he which can make himself Lord of Coquinai (which are the five Realms about Meaco) is called Prince of Tenza, and esteemed Soveraign of the rest. Which height of dignity Nabunanga before mentioned, in his time attained to; after him Faxiba, and since him Taicosuma: that sovereignty being now in a likely way to become hereditary. For Faxiba having brought under his command most of these small Kingdoms, transported the vanquished Kings, and the chief of their Nobles, out of one Countrey into another: to the end that being removed out of their own Realms, and amongst strange subjects, they should remain without means to revolt against him. A mercifull and prudent course. Having reduced into his power at least 50 of these petit Kingdoms, he divided the greatest part of the conquered territories. amongst his own faithfull friends and followers: binding them to supply him with certain numbers of men upon all occasions. By which, and other politick courses, he so setled himself in those estates, that Taicosuma his sonne succeeded without opposition, who had he lived would have abolished the vain title of the Dairi; or took it to himself as he had the power; sollicited thereto by the King of 〈◊〉 But dying in or about the year 1607. Fere•sama his son succeeded; and may be still alive for ought I can learn.
What the Revenues of this King are, it is hard to say. I guess them to be very great, in regard he maketh two millions of Crowns yearly, of the very Rice which he reserveth to himself from his own demeasns. The store of Gold, and pretious stones which these Islands yield, being wholly his, must needs adde much unto his Coffers. And for his power, it is said that Faxiba was able to raise so good an Army out of the estates demised by him to his faithful followers; that he resolved once on the conquest of China and to that end had caused timber to be felled for 2000 vessels for the transporting of his Army. And had he lived a little longer, tis probable enough he might have shaken that great Kingdome, the 〈◊〉 being so much the better Souldiers, that a small party of them would defeat a good Army of 〈◊〉 The fear whereof made the King of China after his decease correspond so fairly with his Successour.
Adjoining to Japan, betwixt it and China, lyeth the Iland of COREA, extended in length from North to South: the people whereof being distressed by the Japonites, called in the Chinese, by whom delivered from their Enemies, and restored to liberty, as before was noted.
1676. A most exact and accurate map of the whole world by Donald Lupton.
In the heap of Isles, containing fifty three Kingdoms, two hundred leagues; S. on the Sea called Japan, where the people are cunning, ambitious, implacable, hating idle recreations; eating in Physick sharp salt, and raw things; using in salutations to put off their shooe: is 1 Meaco, the common staple of Japan. 2 Ossacy, of great trade. 3 Feno-Jama their University and Banoum. 4 Bongo. 5 Cora, where at least one tooth of their Kings must be interred. 6 Amanga S•qui. 7 Surungo, as big as London. 8 Edoo and Firando, where 1613 there was a Factory setled for the English Merchants. 9 The noted Haven Ochino-famanus.
1682. Cosmography and geography in two parts by Richard Blome.
- The ISLES of JAPON, which may be considered under
- The GREAT ISLE of JAPON, or NIPHON, with its Parts of
- JAMAYOIT,
- Nagato,
- Amanguchi,
- Juami,
- Jezuma,
- Aqui,
- Bingo,
- Bitchu▪
- Bigen,
- Mimalaca,
- Janaba,
- Foqui,
- Isle of Oqui.
- JETSENGO,
- Meaco,
- Vacasa,
- Vechisen,
- Tamba,
- Tango,
- Ozaca,
- Sacay,
- Cavachi,
- Ixe,
- Xima,
- Quinocum,
- Isle of Avangi.
- JETSEGEN,
- Yomda,
- Inga,
- Voari,
- Mino,
- Xinano,
- Micava,
- Tatomi,
- Yetchu,
- Canga,
- Noto,
- Isle of Sando,
- Nivata.
- QUANTO,
- Yendo,
- Conzuque,
- Cai,
- Surunga,
- Idzu,
- Sangami,
- Canzula,
- Ava.
- OCHIO,
- Aquita,
- Aizu,
- Voxu,
- Fitachi,
- Kimotauque,
- Isles of
- Marayxima,
- Toy,
- Xynoxima.
- The ISLE of XICOCO, or TOKOESI,
- Sanuqui,
- Tofa,
- Xyo.
- The ISLES of XIMO, or SAYCOCK,
- Fige•,
- Bugen,
- Funay,
- Bungo,
- Fingo,
- Nanaqui,
- with the Isles of
- Firando,
- Fica,
- Goto,
- Amacusa.
The Isles of JAPAN or JAPON.
We call the Isle or Isles of Japan, a certain multitude of Isles, and of different bigness, which are on the East of China, distant from it about 100 Leagues; and so are seated in the most Oriental part of our Continent: They stretch together in length about 300 Leagues from West to East, and from South to North 40, 50, 60, and sometimes 100 Leagues in breadth.
Amongst these Isles there are 3 very considerable. The first and which is much greater then the two others, is called by us Japan or Japon; by its Inhabitants, Hippon or Niphon, which signifies The Spring of Light, or of the Sun: A name proper for it, since it lies to the East, and Sun-rising of all Asia, and of all our Continent. The second is called Ximo, that is, a Low Countrey or Saycock; that that is, Nine Kingdoms. The last Tokoesi or Xicoco, that is, Four Kingdoms.
We must likewise make account that these three great Isles are cut asunder by several Channels, which divide them into several Isles; but because these Channels are very narrow, these parts are esteemed pieces contigious in regard of the others, where the Channels, or rather the Arms of the Sea which divide them, are much larger.
They have all those Fruits, Trees, Herbs and Beasts, which we have in Europe, with several others not known amongst us; as also abundance of several Fowls, both tame and wild; the surface of the Earth is well clothed with Woods and Forests, in which are found very lofty Cedars; and the bowels of the Earth stored with divers Metals, as Gold, Silver, Copper, Tin, Lead, Iron, &c. though not so good as in the Indies, except it be their Silver, which is excellent and abundant. Their Pearls are great, red, and of no less esteem then the white ones. These with several Manufactures which are her• made, are the chief Commodities of this Island,
In this Island are several Cities of some note; as
1 Meaco, seated in the midst of the great Isle of Japan, a fair and large City, formerly 21 miles in compass; but now by reason of their Wars, it is reduced to the third part of what it was, in which the Jesuites did formerly esteem it to have 180000 Houses, and judged it to have near 100000 when they were there. This City is the ordinary residence of the Triumviri, or the three principal Magistrates, which rule or sway the affairs of these Islands; of whom the first is entituled the Dayri or Voo, that is, the Emperor, who hath the care of Civil Affairs; the second is the Cube or King of Tenza, who is chief of the Militia, managing the Affairs of Peace or War; and thirdly the Zazo or Xaca, who is chief in Religion and Sacred matters. The City is divided into the higher and lower; the one and the other together were not above 20000 paces long, and 8 or 10000 paces large. The Palace of the Dayri was in the higher City, great, stately and adorned with all things which may add to its luster; and the Houses or Palaces of his Conges, with the Houses of the chief Lords of all Japan, were about that of the Emperor. The lower City was almost contigious to Fuximi, which serves for a Fortress to Meaco. This City, as most of all those in these Islands, are unwalled; but its Streets in the night are chained up, and a Watch of two men at each end of every Street, who are to give account of the transactions that happen in the night. Its Streets are large and well composed, its Houses well built, and most of Wood; all their Pagodes are made of Wood, they are neither large nor high; and in these Pagodes they have several ill-shapen Figures, to which they address their Prayers, and bestow on them great gifts in way of Alins, which their Priests make use of. Nobunanga was the first that lessened this City, which he did by burning a part of it in 1571 and since it hath received divers jostlings of ill fortune.
2. Amangucki, a Maritime City, and the fairest of the Kingdom of Nangato, hath been formerly well known for its Trade, containing few less then 10000 Families. It was burned in 1555 during some revolt; it was builded again, and again burnt, and afterwards rebuilt. These fires happen often in Japan, the greatest part of their building being of Wood; but the wood is very near and curious, marbled; &c. Nangasaki was the most famous of the Isles of Saycock, and there are a great number of fair Cities through all Japan.
Amongst these Cities, that of Sacay, on the South of Meaco; which Ferdinand Mendez Pinto (provided that he doth not lie) says, he hath known not to have depended upon any King or Lord, but was governed of it self, in form of a Republick, created all its Magistrates and Officers; and he assures us, that all the Masters of Families rich or poor, make themselves be called Kings and Queens, and their Children Princes and Princesses. This liberty and vanity is observable if it be true.
Mandelssos in his Book of Travels, makes mention of a City called Yendo, which he makes to be a fair, large, and well built City; in which, he saith, there is a Castle about two Leagues in compass, being strongly fortified with 3 Walls, and as many Moats▪ The building is very irregular but fair, having to the Walls abundance of Gates: Within the last Gate, he saith, there is a Magazin of Arms, for 3 or 4000 men, on which all the Streets that are fair and broad take their rise 〈◊〉 in which said Streets, on both sides, are many magnificent Palaces for the Nobles. In the midst of this Castle, is seated the Emperors Palace, having belonging to it many stately edifices and apartments, as Halls, Chambers,Galleries, Gardens, Orchards, Groves, Fish-Ponds, Fountains, Courts, &c. as also several Select Houses for his Wives and Concubines. And here is his ordinary Residence, being in the Province of Quanto, about 120000 paces from Meaco, between which are abundance of stately and magnificent Palaces and Houses, for the entertainment of the Emperor in his journey between Jendo and Meaco: But the most beautiful Palace next to Yendo, is that of O Jaca on the Sea, and South of Meaco; the buildings of Yendo, are so beautified with Gold, as well without as within; that at a distance it seems to be rather a Mountain of Gold than a building.
Amongst the Mountains of Japan, there are two very well known. Figenojama, four Leagues from Meaco, renowned for its height, which stretches it self above the Clouds; and Juy or Juycan in the Kingdom Hietcheu, which vomits Fire in great abundance, as some time did Aetna in Sicilia, Vesuvius at Naples, and the Isles of Volcan and Strongoli among those of Liparia: And on the top of this Mountain, the Devil, in a white and shining Cloud, shews himself in divers forms, but only to such of his Votaries as live about this Mountain an abstemious life, like the ancient Hermits, as in Fasting, undergoing many austerities, and compleating the Vow they made for this purpose.
The Country hath hot and medicinal Waters in several places; the common Waters are healthful; the Inhabitants of a good stature, strong and active; in complexion they are inclining to an Olive colour, well disposed, judicious, apt to learn, of sound memories, subtile in their dealings, more inclined to Arms then Letters, though they become perfect in both, having many Academies and Ʋniversities: They are ambitious of glory, patient in affliction, hating Idleness, Gaming, or all ill-husbandry; as also slandering, swearing, lying, theft, and generally all vices, which they severely punish, and oftentimes to death.
Their Arms are esteemed the most excellent of all the Indies, they being more valiant and warlike then the Chinois, and more patient of labour; one of their Kings conceived no less then that he could conquer China, and to that purpose levied 2 or 300000 men, which went against it, and brought back good booty. They have long used the Art of Printing, they are very civil, and much given to visits and entertainments; they delight in rich and costly furniture in their Houses, with the adornment of Pictures, Cabinets, Arms, &c. They are very punctual in performing their promises.
In matters of Religion they are for the most part Gentiles, adoring anciently the Sun, Moon and Stars, giving adoration to Wild Beasts; but they chiefly worship the Devil, and that partly for fear of hurting them: To which purpose, they have in all their Pagodes, which are numerous, several ill-shapen Figures which they pray to. And to these Pagodes, there belongeth a great many Priests, to whom they shew a great respect, and allow a good subsistence who by their habit are known from other persons, and live a very strict life, abstaining from Flesh, even to the use of Women.
Amongst them they have several Sects, which possibly are so many different ways in performing their Devotions, in which they are not over strict, nor over devout. Some of them believe the immortality of the Soul, that the Body is reduced to its first principles, and becomes dust and ashes; and that the Soul is either raised to joy, or condemned to eternal sorrow, believing the Resurrection; and that at its return into the World, it shall find good or evil, according to its actions: Whereas others make no account of the dissolution of the World nor put any difference between the Souls of Men and Beasts.
They are very jealous of their Wives and Concubines, not admitting them the liberty of walking abroad, or society with men at home; they are very modest, and not given to meddle with any kind of business that appertains to their Husbands. Adultery they severely punish, but Fornication is permitted amongst them: They are very indulgent to their Children and give them good education: They are very tender of their honor, being shie of doing any thing which may eclipse it; and as they will give no injuries to others, so they will take none.
Their Emperor dwels in great state and pomp, having attendance of Nobles and others: He is highly esteemed and reverended of his Subjects, even to adoration. In his Government he is in a manner tyrannical, having in his power, the Lives and Estates of his Subjects, though he doth not often shew it; his Revenue is exceeding great, and his power, as hath been spoken of before, very strong.
All his Nobles (which are very many) live exceeding stately, and have great Revenues: And when any of them happen to die, they have a custom, that about 20 or 30 of their Slaves do voluntarily kill themselves to wait upon the Souls of their deceased Lords, which they hold to be a great honor to them, and a discharge of their fidelity and love they bear to them.
But there are many defaults observed in their government, and in their manner of living: The great number of their Kings and their Princes, which still endeavour to make themselves great; The Revolts and Rebellions, to which those people are subject on the least occasion; The principal form of the Government, which is almost wholly tyrannical. The little care they have of Tillage, and of keeping fowl at home, or Flocks in the Field, makes them often want needfull Food. And it is observed, That they have many manners and customs different, and often contrary to ours, or those of their Neighbors: As when they go out of the house, they leave off their Cloak, which they put not on again, till they come in; whereas we leave it off in the house, and put it on abroad. When they meet a friend, they salute him by putting off their Shoo, and shaking their foot; we salute by uncovering the head. In walking they give the left hand, esteeming it most honourable, whilst we believe the right so to be. Receiving a friend at home, they remain seated on the ground; we stand till he who comes to see us is seated. The Earth covered with Mats, serves for Bed, Table and Seat, (for they uphold themselves on their knees, on that Mat, when they eat;) our Bed, Table and Seat, are raised from the ground, for our repose or eating. They esteem Black Hair and Black Teeth; we Fair Hair and White Teeth. They mount on Horse-back from right to left; we from left to right. They set the name of their Family before their proper name; we our proper name before that of our Family. They will not that those Women they take in Marriage should bring any riches; here we seek after those who have most. So soon as their Women are married, they have no longer liberty to go abroad; here more then before. Black is their sign of joy, and White of mourning; Black our mourning, and White our joy. Their richest Tapestries are Mats, thin, close, and of divers colours; ours of Wool, Silk, and oftentimes of Gold and Silver. Their Stone Buildings have neither Morter nor Plaister; here they build not without both. They despise all Precious Stones, and esteem more their Vessels of Earth, which serve to keep their Drink; which we make little esteem of, but much value Precious Stones. They drink nothing but what is hot; those most delicate with us is cool. Their Physick is sweet and odoriferous; ours bitter and unpleasant. They never let their sick Blood; which with us is very common upon the least occasion. These with several other customs, contrary to ours, do they observe amongst them, which are too long to set down. Nor want they fine Reasons to sustain their Customs better then ours; they say we must conserve our Blood, as one of the principal sustainers of our Life; that we must not give a sick person that which is displeasant, troublesom, and sometimes affrights him to see, much more to drink or eat; that hot water augments the natural heat, opens the conduits, and quenches thirst; that cold closes the Pores, begets the Cough, weakens the Stomach, and quenches natural heat; that their Vessels, of which they make such esteem, are necessary for many things in a Family, which Precious Stones are not; that their buildings may be easily taken down, carried other where, and erected in another manner, when they will; which ours cannot, &c.
Amongst their Manners, there are some very good; they hate Games of Hazard; they are very patient in bad fortune; they maintain themselves honestly in their Poverty; suffer hot themselves to be transported with Passion; speak not ill of the absent; know not what it is to swear, lye, or steal; suffer easily all incommodities of heat, cold, famine, or thirst; yet all this, rather to get the honor of being esteemed constant and virtuous, then being so truly; for they are subject to Vices, as well as their Neighbors. But lot us leave their Manners, and speak a word of their Government, which of late hath encountered a diversity, and deserves to be known.
The general Estate of all these Isles, was not long since divided into 66 Kingdoms; of which the Isle of Japan alone had 47, which with some little Neighbouring Isles was made up 53, that of Ximo or Saycok had 9 according to its name, and Chicock the other four.
At present the order is much changed; the whole Estates are fallen into the hands of one alone, as it hath been formerly; and is divided into 7 Provinces, or principal parts; and those 7 parts subdivided into many others; which ought to pass under the name of Lordships; some of which yet retain the name of Kingdoms, others of Dutchies, Principalities, &c.
Those which command in the lesser parts, are called generally Tones. Caron ranges them in six different degree, and calls them Kings, Dukes, Princes, Knight-Barons, Barons and Lords, which according to our degrees of honour are distinguished by Kings, Princes, Dukes, Marquisses, Earls and Barons. Caron makes 21 Kings; some of which possess 1 or 2, and some 3, and in all 30 and odd of the 66 ancient Kingdoms. After the Kings, he puts 4 Dukes, 6 Princes, 17 Knight-Barons, 50 Barons, and 41 Lords, giving each a Revenue of at least 100000 Livers per annum, and so augmenting to the greatest to whom he gives 10 Millions and more; and makes account that the Cube or Cesar of Japan spends at least 100 Millions of Crowns yearly, as well in the expence of his house, as in his Militia, and what he disburses to the Tones.
The names of the 7 principal parts, into which the Estate of Japan is divided, are Saycock, Xicoco, Jamasoit, Jetsengo, Jetsegen, Quanto and Ochio. Saycock with the Isles which belong to it, is the nearest to China; Chicock is on the East of Saycock; the other five parts are in the great Island, and extend themselves advancing from East to West. Jamosoit being the most Western part of all, and answering to the 12 Kingdoms, which the King of Nangato or Amanguci hath formerly possessed. Jetsenco and Jetsegen together make the middle of the great Island, and apparently that which passed under the name of Tenza, and contained 20 others. Quanto and Ochio advance themselves from the East, unto the streight of Sangaar, which divides Japan from the Land of Jesso, of which more anon; Quanto, comprehended 8 Kingdoms, and Ochio the rest, and in these parts there are abundance of Cities and Towns, which I have observed in my Geographical Tables.
But because the diversity of names of Dayri or Emperor, of Cube or Cesar, of Tones or Kings, Princes, Dukes, &c. may breed some confusion; to give a more particular knowledge, we will say succinctly, that before the year 1500 there was in all Japan only one Soveraign, which they called Voo or Dayri, that is Emperour.
1685. Geographia universalis: the present state of the whole world by Pierre Duval.
There be several Islands known under this name. The three most considerable, are Niphon, Ximo and Xicoco. Niphon, much larger than the rest, is separated from the firm Land, by an Arm of the Sea, about ten Leagues in breadth; some say, that it is joyn'd to it, but that, by the difficulties of the ways, the Japans chuse rather to go thither by Sea.
All these Islands have a temperate Air; abound in Rice, Pearls, and Mines of Silver, very much esteemed. Their Pearls are large, but are found to have too much of Red in them. In this Country is a very extraordinary Tree; it becomes dry when they wet it, and to nourish it, they must put into a hole they make in it, filings of Iron, with Sand very dry: and to make its Branches green, and gain and exert its Leaves, they are to be fastened with a Nail.
The Japaneses are Idolaters, good Soldiers, and very patient: Notwithstanding the dangers of the neighbouring Sea, they have sometimes taken the Peninsula of Corca from the Chineses. They have the most happy memories in the World, and a very abounding Tongue; for each thing they have several names, some for Contempt, others of Honour: some for the Princes, others for the People. Their Customs and Manners are wholly contrary to ours: They drink Warm water, and they give this reason for their so doing, that the Cold is binding, provokes Coughing, and the Distempers of the Stomach; but that the Warm nourishes the Natural heat of the Body, that the passages are opened by it, and that the thirst is the more easily quenched. They give such Potions to the Sick, as are very sweet and odoriferous: They never let Blood, because they would spare their Blood as the Vehicle of Life: They esteem black Teeth the finest: They mount on Horseback on the right side: Salute by a shaking of the Feet. To treat the King of Japan, who calls himself Cube or Caesar, three Years are said to be required for Preparations, and that the Feasts last full three Months.
The Jesuites, Cordeliers, Jacobites and Augustines, have been very busie here, and are said to have considerably promoted their Religion; In the Year 1596. there were reckoned to be six hundred thousand Christians: since the Year 1614. they have been extraordinarily persecuted, and none dare make Profession of Christianity, now there, but in private. In the Year 1636. the Jesuites, the Spaniards and Portugals, were entirely driven thence; where the Hollanders alone have had the Liberty of Commerce, because, when they came into those Parts, they forbid their Men, above all things, speaking of Religion.
They have several particular Tones, or Princes, the most part of whom, confine their Power within the Circle of a Town. This Custom is generally received, that when one of those Tones loses his Dominions, his Subjects lose likewise their Estates. The Capital City is Meaco, which is said to contain sixty thousand Housholds. Yendo is a Royal Castle, Sazay a famous Sea-Port. In the Year 1658. a Fire happened at Yendo, which occasioned the loss of above forty eight Millions of Gold. The Spaniards Sail along these Islands, when they return from the Philippines to Mexico and Peru. The Hollanders are said to go now to Japan by the North, passing West of the Land of Jeso.