3-052-332 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Opening of the first railway in Japan: arrival of the Mikado, 1872. 'The opening of the new railway from Jeddo to Yokohama, which is the first line constructed in Japan, took place on Oct. 14..."I went opposite the Imperial carriage and saw the Mikado get out. His Court bowed to him, and, after a little pause, he began moving slowly forward, looking neither to the right nor to the left, with the nobles and Ministers, some preceding and some following him; the foreign representatives bringing up the rear, all in full dress. His Imperial Majesty went through the hall, to the sound of Japanese music, played by musicians in court dress".' From "Illustrated London News", 1880.