Background
Sir Rutherford Alcock was the first British diplomatic representative to live in Japan.
Sir Rutherford Alcock was the first British diplomatic representative to live in Japan.
Was for many years in China as a consul in such places as Amoy, Foochow, Shanghai and Canton. It was at the latter place that he came into prominence by his able handling of the Arrow Case (1856). In 1858 he was appointed resident Consul-General in Japan and arrived in Yedo to take residence in Tozenji Temple in Takanawa (1859). He played an important part in suppressing smuggling by foreign traders and enforcing protection for foreigners when the Port of Yokohama was opened for foreign trade. He climbed Mt Fuji (1860). A very serious international issue was almost brought about when he was assaulted by several samurai while he was returning home from Nagasaki (1861). The following year he was recalled and at London he assisted Takeuchi, the Lord of Kozuke and the Shogun's special envoy to England, to sign the London Memorandum. He returned to Japan with his wife (1864). At that time anti-foreignism was at its height and foreign ships were fired upon while passing through the Shimonoseki Channel. As all efforts to stop this proved futile he ordered English, French, American and Dutch ships to retaliate by firing back each time they were attacked. A few months after his second visit to Japan he had to return home due to some differences with English Foreign Minister Russel over the signing of a treaty of commerce and navigation with the Shogun. After this he was sent to China again to assume the post of a resident Minister (1868-71).
Elements of Japanese Grammer
The Art Industries of Japan
He climbed Mt Fuji (1860).