Page:Japan by the Japanese (1904).djvu/515

The art of shipbuilding in its primitive and rudimentary form, if, indeed, it can be called by such a dignified name, was known among the Japanese from so early an epoch that its origin is beyond the reach of historical investigation. The earliest historical records from which anything can be inferred as to the condition of shipbuilding is found in connection with the eastward march of Emperor Jimmu’s memorable conquest in the year B.C. 667, when he is stated to have proceeded from Hyogo to Setsu at the head of a maritime force. From this it may be inferred that the Japanese were then already in possession of vessels of some pretensions. Subsequently, in the reign of Emperor Suijin (about B.C. 80–90), orders were issued for the construction of ships to be used for the subjugation of the barbarian tribes in the North of Japan, and on the opposite shore of the Sea of Japan (now part of Eastern Siberia). Later still, about A.D. 200, the Empress Jingo invaded Corea, and there then sprang up a constant intercourse with that country and China. All this shows that the Japanese had already learned how to construct sea-going vessels of tolerable dimensions.

Coming down to the beginning of the seventeenth century, we find Japanese merchant ships visiting the Philippines, Siam, and even Mexico. As to the structural features of these ships, nothing definite is known. In view, however, of the frequent presence in Japanese waters at this period of Spanish and Portuguese ships, it may not unreasonably be inferred that the Japanese learned from these Europeans the art of constructing large seaworthy vessels.

Just when the art of shipbuilding had progressed so far as to be capable of turning out vesssels adapted for ocean navigation, it suddenly received a check in consequence of the adoption of a new policy by the newly-established Tokugawa Government. That Government perceived that the Catholic religion, which the Spaniards and Portuguese were engaged in introducing into the country, was prejudicial to peace and order, and in order to prevent its propagation interdicted all intercourse with the outside world except with the Dutch and Chinese, who were permitted to trade only at the port of Nagasaki. Merchants of these favoured nationalities were thus allowed, under rigid restrictions, to bring their merchandise in their own vessels;