THE EIGHT BOARDS OF GOVERNMENT
Having given above a sketch of the ranks eligible in old times to fill
the offices of government, a step will be gained by obtaining some
insight into the means by which that government was carried on. The
arrangements are of very ancient date, and seem to have been more or
less in actual use until the separation of the empire into two at the
end of the sixteenth century. At that time the executive department of
the empire was entirely removed to Yedo, but the shadow or the skeleton
of the defunct body was allowed to remain in Miako. The offices which
had of old conferred power, and demanded exertion in fulfilling the
duties, were now only empty names--honorific appellations; the power of
conferring these nominal offices being all that remained to the Emperor
of his former greatness. Still the retention of the power has not been
without its use. Though the actual power has been in the hands of the
Shiogoon, the hopes of the people and of the Emperor have ever turned
toward its ultimate re-establishment at Miako, in a machinery all ready
at any moment to take up the duties of government.
At the period when the government of Japan was settled, many of the
institutions of China seem to have been copied or transferred by
the founders of the empire. This must have occurred at a very early
period in its history. While the original model has been followed,
modifications have from time to time been introduced to meet the
varying exigencies of the country. But perhaps nothing points more
strongly to a Chinese origin for the ruling ranks of Japan than the
early adoption of this form of government. As in China six boards are
found at Pekin, so in Japan eight boards are found at Miako. The names
of these boards or departments, the titles of the officials, the ranks
of the subordinate officers, are all found under Chinese names.
Klaproth has given in his “Annals of the Emperors” a sketch of these
eight boards, with the offices under each. It is probably taken from
the “Shoku gen sho,” a little work written in the year 1340 by Kitta
Batake Chikafusa, and in use at the present day as a concise account of
the government of Japan.
The study of such a subject is rather dry and uninteresting, but it
is necessary for any one who wishes to make himself acquainted with
Japanese history, either of the past or of the present day, to read
and understand this book. What here follows is only a rough sketch
with a little further filling in. In what may be called the preface
to the “Shoku gen sho”--a slight historical introduction--the author
says: “We gather from old records, that in the time of Sui ko (the
first Empress), in the twelfth year of her reign, A.D. 605, Sho toku,
being prime minister, settled twelve grades of officers. Afterward, the
Emperor Kwo toku, in the fifth year of his reign (A.D. 650), divided
the country into eight provinces (or divided the government into
eight departments), and definitely fixed the offices. Subsequently,
in the first year of the Emperor Mun moo (A.D. 697), Fusiwara no tan
kaiko Kamatariko (canonized as Kassunga dia mio jin) was appointed
great minister, and by him laws were made and the officers and nobles
were appointed. At one time the numbers were greatly diminished, and
again they were increased, and fresh officers, ‘uncommissioned,’ got
employment. But the ministers, the ‘Nai dai jin’ and the ‘Chiu nagoon,’
existed before the first year of Mun moo. But authentic records of that
period do not remain in existence at the present time. In old times
there was a separate office of religion known as the ‘Jin ngi kwang’
or ‘Kami no tskasa,’ answering to the ‘Ta chang sz’ in China. The two
officers who superintended the rites in worship of the gods were above
all other officers. This was the pristine custom in the kingdom of
spirits (Japan), arising from the reverence paid to the gods of heaven
and the spirits of earth.
“In the earliest times the Emperor Zinmu established the capital within
the bounds of the province of Yamato, at Kashiwarra. At that time, in
the beginning, Ten shio dai shin (the heaven-illuminating spirit) came
down and placed three things--a ball or seal, an eight-cubit mirror,
and a grass-shaving sword--in the palace, on the throne of the Emperor,
which received homage such as was offered in early times. The efficacy
of the spirit was great, so that the Emperor dwelling with the spirit
was, as it were, equal to a god. Within the palace these three emblems
were placed in safety, that it might be said that where these are there
is divine power. At this time two high officers, ‘Ama no koya ne no
mikoto’ and ‘Ama no tane ko mikoto,’ regulated the sacrificial rites
and court ceremonies, until the time of the Emperor Soui-zin (97-30
B.C.), who, fearing the majesty of the divinity, took away these three
efficacious symbols, the sword and the seal and the mirror, and put
them elsewhere (_i.e._, in a palace he built at Miako); which was the
origin of the idea of the Emperor’s sitting like a god in the place of
a god.
“In the reign of Swee nin (A.D. 29-70) the great spirit Tenshio, or Ten
shio dai jin, descended upon the province of Isse (when the Emperor
measured and divided that province), and that Emperor built and endowed
the temple or yashiro of Isse. This is the most sacred temple in the
empire.
“At that time the O nakatomi family were hereditary officers of
religion, and of rites of worship.
“After the officers of state had been appointed, the officers of the
Jin ngi kwang, or spiritual department, were settled. Originally the
Jin ngi kwang was the highest department of all. The temple built by
the Emperor at Isse had separate officers of worship, and as to duties,
both regulated worship; the offices were similar in their origin
and character, but the department of religion was of the highest
importance. Therefore, in the kingdom of spirits (_i.e._, Japan) these
officers of religion ranked above all other officers. At that time
a man of the fourth rank could be an officer of religion, but now
it is confined to the second and third ranks. Formerly, any one was
considered capable of filling the office, Nakatomi or other; but in
the middle ages, since the time of the Emperor Kwa sann, it became
hereditary in the family of his son, and no other family could fill the
office; and it has since been filled by the members of the royal family.
“Originally the name Nakatomi designated an office. When one of the
holders was made Oodai jin, he added O (great) to his title; but his
descendants did not use the title, therefore they are simply called
Nakatomi.”
Such is the introduction to the “Book of the Government of the Empire.”
What follows is the names of the different offices, and ranks of
officers, whether civil or military, stating what rank is eligible to
hold each office, what offices can be held in conjunction by the same
person, together with the Chinese equivalent of each title wherever it
can be given.
Every office in Japan is divided into four--a head and three
subordinates. The head is called by various titles, Kio, Kami, Tayu,
Daiboo, etc. The highest subordinate is called Skay or Ske--in Chinese,
Tsu--to assist or help; or Kai, to attend upon; also Tso, to assist:
all three characters are used. The next is Jo--Chinese, Shing, to
assist--deputy. The clerks are called Sakkan--Chinese, Shuh--attached
to as a tail, dependent on. Each of these may be subdivided into great
and small, Dai and Sho; and further, frequently into sa and oo--_i.e._,
left and right. Besides these official grades, the title of Gong, or
Gonno, is found. This seems to be an honorific title, and is generally
conferred by the Emperor upon Koongays and persons about his own
court. It seems to mean honorary substitute or deputy, and is added or
prefixed to another title. This is the word K’ün in Chinese, with the
meaning of power, balance, temporary substitute.
With these explanations it may be possible to understand the titles and
descriptions of offices and officers given in the Shoku gen sho.
The first or highest office was that of religion, or board of rites,
the Jin ngi kwang (shin k’i kwan), the office of the worship of
spirits. This office, at first entirely for regulation of the Sinto
religion, was rendered unnecessary by the introduction of Buddhism,
and has been practically done away with--the higher titles and larger
emoluments being absorbed by the younger sons of royal families, while
the working part of the board has been joined with the highest board,
Dai jo gwang.
The Dai jo gwang, or Matsuri koto tskasa, is the great office of
government. This is the “cabinet,” and is over and superintends the
eight boards and the affairs of the whole empire. The chief of the
department is the Dai jo dai jin--the great minister of the whole
government. He is also called Sho koku. This office is not always
filled up. The holder is in settled times nearly invariably one of
the “five families.” This is the highest office in the state, and was
commenced by the Emperor Ten shi, who conferred it on his son. When
this office is vacant, the next in rank, the Sa dai jin (left great
minister) is highest official in point of rank. The highest subject
generally receives at the Emperor’s hands the title of Kwanbakku, first
given A.D. 880. The Kwanbakku is always near the Emperor’s person, and
not engaged so much as others on public business. If the sovereign be
a minor or a female, a regent is appointed, who is naturally the most
powerful subject in the empire. He is named Sessio, or Setz jio, helper
of the government. When such a regent is appointed for a young Empress,
it is generally intended that he is to marry her, and become Emperor.
The Kwanbakku was, in old times, called Omurazi. He is frequently
spoken of as Denga sama. The Dai jo dai jin is commonly known as Sho
koku, the Sa dai jin as Sa foo sama, Oo dai jin as Eoo foo sama, Nai
dai dai jin as Nai or Dai foo sama. There may be only one of the three
titles, Dai jio dai jin, Kwanbakku, or Sessio, conferred at a time;
but whoever holds it is known to be the highest official, and he may
have all three titles at the same time. The office of Dai jio dai jin
has frequently remained vacant for lengthened periods.
In the Dai jio gwang there are four ministers. Dai jin means great
minister, and the prefix of Sa is left, of Oo is right. In Japan the
left generally takes precedence. And these four stand in this relation
to one another. The first three are known as the “Sanko,” or three
exalted ones. There is another officer, that of Nai dai jin, inner or
middle great minister. This office is filled up if there be no Dai jio
dai jin; but if otherwise it remains in abeyance.
Since 1780 the Shiogoon has generally been elevated to be Oodai jin or
Sadai jin.
The next officer below the Oodai jin is the Dai na goon. There are ten
of them. They act with the Sanko in the Dai jo gwang office. They seem
to be the mouthpieces to and from the board, and in consultation with
the board. They are generally Koongays. But some of the highest Daimios
are competent for the office, Owarri, Kishiu, and Mito.
The Chiu (or middle) na goon--ten officers of much lower rank than
the last--never deliberate with the board, but are consulted after or
before. They are generally Koongays.
The Sangi (Ts’an i), also called Sei sho and Gisso (I tsau), is a very
important office--eight officers. They are of high rank (above the
last), and are chosen for their talent for the office. This seems to be
to report upon the proceedings and conclusions of the other officers of
the board; to watch and also advise, and sometimes to act as judges.
They are both civil and military. If a man has shown himself qualified
for this office he may rise to it, though not originally of high rank.
The Sho (or lesser) nagoon are much below the above officers in rank.
They are said to help the memories of the principal officers, to put
seals to deeds, and carry communications to other boards: they are both
military and civil.
Gayki or Kwanmu--five officers who act as secretaries to one of the
three officers of the Dai jo ngwang. Divided into great and small, Dai
and Sho, gayki; the head man is called Kioo ku mu. The duties consist
in writing out the patents and titles conferred by the Mikado. In cases
of dispute between high officers, they seem to write out a statement of
the case on both sides for the decision of the board. They look after
any newly-introduced business, such as introduction of foreigners to
the country.
Ben-gwang, seven officers, all Koongay--a higher office than the
preceding. Two head men, left and right, Sa and Oo dai ben. This is a
very responsible office; all the business of the board passes through
the hands of the officers. They superintend and set apart to each of
the minor offices their business.
Sa chiu ben and Oo chiu ben, two men.
Sa sho ben and Oo sho ben, two men.
These are subordinates in the office, but men of rank.
Gonno ben. This is an honorific title, giving high rank, but having no
business or duties to perform.
The Ben-gwang officers are always in their handsome official dress, and
are at once recognizable on the street.
Shi, eight men. Their business is to act as bookkeepers or registrars
of the transactions of the board; they take charge of the books, and
are referred to for information of past transactions.
Sa and Oo dai shi, four men.
Si sho, twenty men, attendants of the three high officers.
Kwa jo, four men, attendants of the Ben-gwang. Though low, the office
is an important one.
HATCH SHIO, THE EIGHT BOARDS
The eight boards under the Dai jo gwang are:
1. Nakatskasa no sho.
2. Siki bu sho (Ch., Li po).
3. Ji bu sho (Ch., Li po).
4. Min bu sho (Ch., U po).
5. Hio bu sho (Ch., Ping po).
6. Gio bu sho (Ch., Ying po).
7. Okura no sho (Ch., Ta fu sz).
8. Koo nai sho (Ch., Kung po).
I. Nakatskasa no sho, or Naka no matsuri koto suru tskasa (equivalent
office in China, Chang shu shang).--The Board of the Interior
Government, superintends the palace and the affairs of the Emperor, and
regulates the imperial household.
The head man, Nakatskasa no kio, is always of very high rank--generally
a son of the Emperor, or of one of the royal families.
Nakatskasa no ta yu, chamberlain of the household.
Nakatskasa no gonno tayu is always a Mayka no tenjio bito koongay.
Nakatskasa no shoyu.
Nakatskasa no gonno shoyu.
Nakatskasa no dai and sho jio, subordinates of the above.
Nakatskasa no dai and sho sakkan, secretaries.
Dji jiu, eight men of high rank.
Wo do neri, ninety men of low rank; clean rooms, etc.
Neiki, writers to the Emperor’s dictation, or for his perusal on
government business; correspond about conferring rank, and write out
documents connected with this. They are always able men, and any man
may rise to fill this office if he shows talent.
Dai neiki, one man; sho neiki, two men; the latter subordinates and
successors of the former.
Kemmootz, Dai and Sho, two men.
These are the reporters or spies (ometskys) upon the officers of the
whole board--literally, lookers into things (kien wuh).
Sho den, one man of low rank to superintend the servants and to see
that rooms are cleaned, etc.
Kangee no tskasa, keepers of the keys, now done away with.
Included under this department are the establishments of the Emperor’s
grandmother, mother, and wife. These are called the Shi ngoo--four
offices.
The office of the Emperor’s grandmother is Tai kwo tai kowu goo siki,
the great Emperor’s great Empress’s office.
That of the mother, Kwo tai kowu goo siki.
That of the wife having a child, Kwo tai kowu goo siki.
That of the wife before she has a child, Chiu ngoo siki.
The ladies rank as Dai nagoon.
Under the Nakatskasa no shio there are several minor hoards or rio.
O do neri no rio.--In this office there were formerly 800 men about the
court, as messengers, servants, etc.
Odoneri no kami, Ske, etc.
Dsu sho rio, surveying office for plans of houses, maps of towns,
country, harbors, seas, etc.
Dsu sho no kami, Ske, etc.
Koora rio, storehouse officer, has charge of the valuables belonging to
the palace--a responsible office.
Officers--Koora no kami, K. no gonno kami, K. no ske, etc.
Noo ee rio superintends the making of the clothes and sewing generally
of the palace.
Noo ee no kami, N. no ske, N. no gonno ske, etc.
Ong yo rio (literally, clear obscure office), department of
astrology--composer of the almanac--observers of the heavens.
Ong yo no kami, O. no ske, etc. Ong yo no haka se and Gonno haka se,
teacher of astrology.
Rayki haka se, composer of the almanac and teacher.
Ten mong haka se, astronomer-royal.
Ro koku haka se, keeper of time by the clepsydra; teacher of
time-keeping.
Taku mi rio, office of the carpenters, woodworkers. Taku mi no kami,
etc.
Palaces, temples, houses and bridges in Japan being, for fear of
earthquakes, nearly entirely built of wood, the trade of carpenter
rises to a science, and, including architecture and engineering, is a
business or profession which is held in high respect.
In the official list mention is not made of the head man of the tanner
class, or that which deals in skins of dead animals, which occupation
is an abomination to the pure Buddhist. The name of the class is
Yayta. They live in Yayta mura or village of skinners, often called
Yakunin mura. The head man is Kobowozi. His duty is to go every day to
the palace and clear away all dead animals--rats, mice, birds. He wears
two swords and is generally handsomely dressed. The class belongs to
the Ikkoshiu sect of Buddhists. Some of the men following this trade
are very rich. Teikoya in Osaka and Siroyama in Yedo are both wealthy.
The head skinner of the “eight provinces,” Danza yay mong, claims to
be descended from Yoritomo. He also is reputed to be very wealthy,
exercising great power over his own trade, which is governed by its
own laws. Living in a fine house near the Yosiwara in Yedo, he is a
despotic ruler, and can punish with death those under him. His private
chapel or Bootzu dang is said to be the finest in Yedo.
II. Siki bu shio (Chinese, Shik po shang; Chinese equivalent office, Li
po), the Board of Civil Office. Has legislative functions, and under
this board is the department of public instruction and the college. The
head man of the board is the Siki bu kio. He is generally a Sinwo, or
a member of the imperial family. If the Kio be an able, energetic man,
his position enables him to obtain great power, and he may become the
first man in the empire. Formerly, men known by the name Si sho were
sent by the board to all the provinces to report on the government of
each. They were changed every four years, but the custom has become
obsolete.
Siki bu no Tayu.
Siki bu no Gonno Tayu, both men of high rank, who practically carry on
the business of the board.
Siki bu no Sho yu and Gonno sho yu, etc.
Under this board is the Dai gaku rio (Ch. equivalent, Kwoh tsz kien),
office of instruction or education. The head man is Dai gaku no kami.
This office is divided into four sub-classes, which have to do with the
instruction conveyed in books and literature to the people.
1. Ray ki shi, history, including the history of China and Japan and a
little of India and Ceylon, as Buddhist countries.
2. Migio, religion--originally Sinto religion only.
3. Mio bo, laws and jurisprudence.
4. Santo, mathematics, arithmetic.
These are called the four paths, Shi do.
Besides these officers there are teachers or professors named Haka se
(pok sz).
1. Munjo haka se, two men; teachers of history, otherwise called Shiu
sai.
2. Mio gio haka se, teacher of religion and the works of Confucius.
Jokio, two men. Chokko ko, two men.
On no haka se, two men, teachers of music.
Sho haka se, two men, teachers of writing.
3. Mio bo haka se, two men, professors of jurisprudence.
4. Sang no haka se-teachers of mathematics, arithmetic--two men. Is
always in two families, Mio shi and Otsu ngi. The former teaches
arithmetic and the abacus; the latter teaches the science of taxation.
III. Ji bu shio (Chinese office, Lai po). This board deals with the
forms of society, manners, etiquette, worship, ceremonies for the
living and the dead, etc.
Ji bu kio, the head officer of the board, of very high rank.
Ji bu no tayu, two men; Ji bu no gonno tayu, two men, etc.
Oota rio (Ch., Ya yoh), a department of the board--superintends music
and poetry in all its branches.
Oota no kami, etc.
Gengba rio is another department, called also O shi maro wo dono: takes
charge of embassies from outer countries--Corea, China, and India;
looks after Buddhism. All business connected with foreign countries
comes within the scope of this office.
Genba no kami, head officer, Ske, etc.
Misasaki rio, an officer to look after the tombs of the Emperors.
Misasaki no kami is head officer.
IV. Min bu sho (Chinese, Min po shang)--Chin. office, Upo,
board of population and revenue. Tame no tskasa, board of the
population--states, provinces, land, houses, census. In this office is
kept a book or register for the registration of all deeds connected
with land and landed property, surveys, and statistics of the empire.
The book is called “Min bu shio no dzu sho.”
Min bu kio, head officer, of high rank.
Min bu no Tayu.[2] M. Gonno Tayu.
Min bu no sho, etc.
Kadzuye rio, the office for taxes paid in money. Officers--Kami, Ske,
jo, and sakkan.
San shi, office for money taken in country places only.
Chikara rio, somewhat similar to the above; taxes paid in kind, rice,
etc. The office is now merged in the Kadzuye rio.
V. Hio bu sho (Chinese office, Ping po), Board of War--war-office. This
is the most important department.
Hio bu kioh the head officer, is sometimes of the imperial blood.
Hio bu no tayu. H. no Gonno tayu, sho, etc.
Hyato no tskasa, seems to be a sort of police in case of war. Hyato no
kami, ske, and sakkan.
VI. Gio bu shio (Chinese office, Ying po), board of punishments. The
name is changed to Ke be ishi, which includes the criminal courts, with
the machinery necessary to their working, but the titles remain.
Gio bu Kioh, head of the office.
Gio bu Tayu, Gonno tayu, sho, etc.
Dai ban ji, the first judge.
This officer is the judge of civil and criminal cases. There are no
barristers or advocates used in the law courts of Japan. Each man
states his own case.
Shiu goku ji--prison department.
Shiu goku no kami, ske, etc.
As this title is supposed to convey some disgrace with it, no one
considers it an honor, and therefore it is generally combined with some
other.
VII. Okura no shio (Chinese office, Tafu sz), officer over the imperial
storehouses and granaries.
O kura kio is an officer of high rank.
O kura no tayu, O kura no Gonno tayu, etc.
Ori be no tskasa, weavers of the imperial silks.
Ori be no kami, etc.
VIII. Koo nai shio, the board of the interior of the palace; was
formerly a department of the Naka tskasa shio. Superintends the
furniture, food, pathways, etc.
Koo nai kio, first officer, of high rank.
Koo nai no tayu, and Gonno tayu.
Koo nai no sho and Gonno sho, all of high rank.
Koo no dai jo and sho jo, etc.
Dai zen siki, purveyor to the Emperor’s guests.
Dai zen no daibu, first officer. The Prince of Nagato, Matzdaira Daizen
no daibu, holds this office.
Dai zen no Gonno daibu, of high rank.
Dai zen no ske and Gonno ske.
This was formerly the highest ske at court.
Mokoo rio, officer of carpentry and woodwork about the palace.
Mokoo no kami, high rank.
Mokoo no Gonno kami, etc.
San shi, bookkeepers.
Oee rio, purveyor of food for the gods of the palace.
Oee no kami, one man. This is said to be a lucrative office; probably
much is provided and little consumed.
Oee no ske and Gonno ske, etc.
Tonomo rio, department for superintending the cleaning of the palace.
T. no kami, etc.
Ten yaku rio--medical department--two apothecaries, medical attendants
upon the Emperor, etc.
Ten yaku no kami, etc.
Ee no haka se, teachers of medicine.
Nio yee haka se, teachers of diseases of women.
Shin no haka se, teachers of acupuncture.
Jee yee, one man--Emperor’s personal medical attendant.
Ee shi, similar, but of lower rank.
Kammon rio (Ch., Si sau shü), scavenger department in the palace.
Kammon no kami--the Daimio Ee holds this title. In 1859 this Daimio was
regent under the Shiogoon’s government, and was assassinated in the
streets of Yedo.
Kammon no ske, etc.
O Kimi tskasa, chamberlains to the Sinwo or royal families.
O Kimi no kami is hereditary in the family of Owo.
Nai zen shi, purveyor of provisions for the imperial household.
Nei zen no kami, obsolete.
Bu zen no kami fills the office above.
Ten zen, of low rank.
Miki tskasa, office for presenting wine to the gods in the palace. Upon
every household altar in Japan is seen a small bottle of wine.
Miki no kami, etc.
Ooneme tskasa, overseer of the female officers of the palace, O. no
kami and O. no sakkan.
Mondo no tskasa, superintends the water supplied to the palace, M. no
kami, M. no sakkan.
These (the Ooneme and the Mondo) are the two lowest offices in the
eight boards. In the offices about the court the subordinate officers
under the rank of kami are known by the general name of Shi kwang.
The second part of the Shoku gen sho relates to the Boo kang, executive
and military departments.
Dan jo dai (Ch., Yu shi t’ai), was formerly at Miako, is now at Yedo.
The Kebe ishi at Miako seems to be what remains of the office at that
place. The office has very great power, acting apparently as police of
the empire, the business being to arrest criminals of all descriptions.
The office is within the inclosure of the castle at Yedo.
The head officer is the Dan jo in. He is of very high rank--sometimes
of one of the royal families, or one of the three highest ministers.
The second is Dan jo no dai hitz; below him, D. sho hitz, etc.
Sa kio siki, office of the left half of Miako.
Sa kio no daibu, mayor or governor of high rank--now has but little
power, as the business is transferred to the Kebe ishi office.
Under the Sa kio siki is To itchi tskasa, superintendent of the east
market.
To itchi no Kami.
Oo kio siki, office of the right half of Miako; similar to the above.
Oo kio no kami, and the office of Sei itchi tskasa, superintendent of
the west market.
To ngoo, office of the heir-apparent, son of Emperor.
To ngoo no fu, head of the office.
To ngoo no yaku shi, two men, teachers of the prince--are always either
Munjo haka se, or Mio gio haka se, and of the families of Sungawara
or Owe. To ngoo no bo keeps the prince’s accounts. To ngoo no daibu
is always Dai jo dai jin, or Kwanbakku, or son of one of the highest
ministers.
To ngoo no gonno daibu, etc.
Shuzen Kang, purveyor for the prince. He is always Nei zen no kami to
the Emperor.
To no mo sho, keeper of the chambers of the prince.
To ngoo no shunen sho, keeper of the horses of the prince.
Isse no sei goo rio, or Sei ki no mia no tskasa. This was an old
office in connection with the Emperor’s daughters, who officiated as
priestesses at Isse. It is now obsolete. In the year 5 B.C. the Emperor
Sei Nin established his daughter at Isse as priestess of the temple he
had built in honor of Ten shio dai jin. He gave her the title of Seigoo
or Sai koo.
Shun siki (Ch., siu li chih), carpenters of the Buddhist temples.
Shuri no daibu. This office is filled by the Daimio of Satsuma,
“Shimadzu shuri no daibu.”
Sh. no gonno daibu, etc.
Kangay yushi. This seems to be a military board of deliberation. Kangay
yu no cho gwang of high rank.
Kangay yu no ji kwang, one man of high rank, generally a Ben gwang.
This is a very high office; the officers are always known from their
fine dress.
K. no hang gwang, military secretaries in the office.
Shuzen shi, the Mint.
The Mint is not now at Miako, but at Yedo, where the Shiogoon’s
officers keep it in their own hands.
Shuri goo jo shi, superintendent of Sintoo temples or mias. Head
officer is always a Ben gwang.
Dzo ji shi, superintendents of Buddhist temples.
Bo wo ngashi, military man, superintends the banks of the Kamongawa, a
river at Miako. Is at the same time Ta yee no ske.
Se yaku in, doctors for the poor in Miako.
Ke bi ishi, Police and Executive. The Kangay yu no cho, the Gio bu
shio, and the Kebi ishi, are now merged in one department, to which all
the Kokushiu Daimios, the Dai jo gwang, Giobushio, the Ometski, and
city governors belong, and is very important.
The head officer is Kebi ishi no bettowo, a military man of higher rank
than the Sanghi. There is a saying that a Kebi ishi no bettowo should
have seven virtues. These seven virtues, the book remarks, it is very
difficult to find in one man. K. no bettowo is one of the men with most
power over the natives in the empire.
K. no ske, two men. They are commonly known as Ta yee no ske, and every
one in Miako can recognize them at once by their dress.
Then follow the titles of men as heads of some of the large families or
clans of Japan.
Fusi wara ooji no choja (chang shang), the head of the clan Fusiwara.
By men of this clan all high civil offices are filled. The offices of
Sessio and Kwanbakku are filled by members of this family. When the
country is torn by civil war, then he who gets the power may take the
title, as in the case of Taiko sma and his son.
Genji no Choja, the head of the family of Gen. Gen and Minnamoto are
the same name (Ch., un, a spring of water). It is supposed to be
pre-eminently military, and having gained the upper hand in the long
civil wars with the He family, it has advanced in honor, especially
under the present dynasty of Shiogoons, who call themselves Minnamoto.
The Shiogoon is Minnamoto no choja, and as holding this title he now is
also Shiungaku in no bettowo, or principal of the college of Shiungaku
in, formerly in Miako, now in Yedo. He is also head of the college
Joone wa in.
Then follow some of the officers more immediately about the Emperor’s
person.
Nai keoo bo no bettowo, office of music for the ladies, generally held
by a man of high rank, with some knowledge of music.
Nai zen no bettowo, examiner or presenter of the Emperor’s food, of
high rank.
Mi dzu shi dokoro no bettowo, superintendent of the kitchen in the
palace, is always Kura no kami.
O oota dokoro no bettowo, superintendent of singing and poetry, an
officer of very high rank, sometimes one of the royal family.
Ki roku dokoro no bettowo. Every day there meet in the Emperor’s study,
or Ki roku, this officer, who is of Koongio rank, one of the Ben gwang,
one Kaiko, and one Yori oodo, who come to write for the Emperor.
Kaku sho no bettowo, superintendent of a certain kind of music (Yoh).
Kuro wu do or Kurodo dokoro, an important department in the palace. The
Emperor Saga, A.D. 810, commenced the office. The officers seem to be
noble attendants on the Emperor’s person, and to appear about him when
in public.
Kurodo no Bettowo is an office held by one of the highest
ministers--Kwanbakku or Sadaijin.
Kurodo no To (or Tono kurodo dokoro), two officers, one Ben gwang, one
military.
Go-i (fifth rank) kuro do dokoro, three officers, civilians, always
rise from this to higher rank: first, to Hatch shio no ske, then to
Kangay yu no jikang, to Kebe ishi no ske, to Tono Kurodo, and to
Sanghi. Therefore this place is sought after by the Kindatchi (sons of
Go sekkay), as it brings them prominently forward; but it is an office
requiring great energy and exactness, and mistakes are apt to bring the
officer into trouble. The dress of the K. no To is somewhat similar in
color to the Emperor’s.
Roko-i (sixth rank) no kurodo, four officers. Must be sons of Shodaibu
(fifth rank); must be able and of good courage, and steady men. The
first officer gets as his perquisite the kikuji no ho, the used outer
clothes of the Emperor, of yellow and green colors mixed. One of the
lower officers gets the inner white silk dress, which is changed every
day. The Emperor never wears linen or cotton.
Hi kurodo, many, all of low rank, and are the men-servants of the
palace.
Ko do neri, lower servants.
Dzo siki, military officers, young men, guards of the kurodo.
Tokoro no shiu, attendants.
Take ngootchi, private soldiers.
Then follows another short historical notice of the Sho koku, all the
provinces of Japan, to the effect that formerly all Japan belonged to
the Emperor Zin mu, who was, before becoming Emperor, a (kami yoh)
god. He came from Miazaki in Fiuga, and at the time Japan was wild and
barbarous. He fought his way to Yamato, and made his capital Kashiwara.
At the time of the tenth Emperor, Shiu jin, Kashiwara existed. He
sent embassies to all the separate princes of Japan. He appointed four
generals of the north, south, east and west, Si dono shiogoon, and, war
ensuing, he conquered all Japan.
Emperor Say mu, A.D. 150, the thirteenth after Zin mu, appointed rulers
over the country. These were then called “Kooni no miatsko,” and he
subsequently divided the empire into provinces. These lords were
afterward called “Koku shiu,” and again were known as “Kami to you.”
The provinces were divided into--
Gay koku, inferior provinces.
Dai koku, large provinces.
Jo koku, superior provinces.
Chiu koku, central provinces.
Ki nai koku, the five provinces round Miako.
To each of these there were appointed officers--kami, jo, ske, and
sakkan.
The provinces were classed together as To kai do (eastern sea-road),
fifteen provinces--1, Iga; 2, Isse; 3, Sima; 4, Owarri; 5, Mikawa; 6,
Tootomi; 7, Suruga; 8, Idzu; 9, Kahi; 10, Segami; 11, Musasi; 12, Awa;
13, Kadsusa; 14, Simosa; 15, Hitatsi.
To sando (eastern Highland), eight provinces--1, Oomi; 2, Mino; 3,
Hida; 4, Sinano; 5, Kowodsuki; 6, Simodsuki; 7, Mootz; 8, Dewa.
Dewa and Mootz are large outlying provinces, and one Kami is not
sufficient, therefore another office is established there, “Azetshi no
foo.” Originally Mootz and Dewa were one. About A.D. 713, in the time
of the Empress Gen mei, Mootz was divided; and the Empress Gen Sio,
who succeeded, created the office of Azetshi shi; and the Emperor Sio
mu added Chinji foo and Fooku shio goong, and Goon king and Goon so.
Azetshi shi is the chief officer of Mootz, and is of high rank.
Azetshi shi no keji, his secretary.
Chin ji foo is another officer in these provinces, of which the head
officer is named Chin no shiogoong. The Diamio known as “Sendai” is
the head man of these provinces, and, as Kami of Mootz, is known also
as Fooku shiogoong.
In these provinces are the two officers Akita no jo and Ske. The
Emperor Sio mu built a fortress at Akita, and appointed an officer in
charge. Dewa no ske and Akita no ske are different titles of the same
officer.
Hoku roku do, north-country provinces route. Seven provinces--1,
Wakasa; 2, Etsizen; 3, Kanga; 4, Noto; 5, Etjiu; 6, Etsingo; 7, Sado.
San in do. The back or north Highland route. Eight provinces--1, Tamba;
2, Tango; 3, Tajima; 4, Inaba; 5, Hoki; 6, Idzumo; 7, Iwami; 8, Oki.
San yo do. The fore or south Highland route. Eight provinces--1,
Harima; 2, Mimmesaka; 3, Bizen; 4, Bitsjiu; 5, Bingo; 6, Aki; 7, Suwo;
8, Nagato.
Nankai do. Southern sea route. Six provinces--1, Kii; 2, Awadsi; 3,
Awa; 4, Sanuki; 5, Iyo; 6, Tosa.
Sei kai do. Western sea route in Kiusiu. Eleven provinces--1, Tsikuzen;
2, Tsikugo; 3, Hizen; 4, Higo; 5, Buzen; 6, Bungo; 7, Fiuga; 8, Osumi;
9, Satsuma; 10, Iki; 11, Tsusima.
The Emperor Siomu created an office in the island of Kiusiu, Da zai
fu, but it is now done away with. All the lords of that island were
formerly required to come to Miako once every four years.
Military department. The imperial guards are called Sho ye (Ch., Chu
wei,) “all keep.”
Sa kon ye fu, and Oo k., office of the left and right guards. A
military office is Jing, or Goong, or Oo rin goong, or Ye fu no jing.
Tai sho, generally commander-in-chief of the army, is sometimes called
Shiogoon and Baku foo, is always of the highest rank, his office making
him of equal rank with the Sadaijin.
Besides the Tai sho there are two officers, the Sa and Oo daisho;
sometimes called Sakonye no taisho. The Sadaisho is the superior
officer.
Chiujo, lieutenant-generals of the guards, four, or at times six,
officers.
Sa kon ye no Chiujo and Oo kon ye, men of high rank.
Shojo (small general), major-general. Of these there are eight or ten.
Are also of high rank, especially if appointed while young.
Shogeng. Military officers of inferior rank to the above.
Shoso. Secretaries; adjutants.
Banjiu. Also called Konye no to neri--servants. All the officers above
are near the Emperor as guards.
Gay ye. Outer guards.
The office is Sa (and Oo) ye mon no foo. The Emperor Sanga changed the
name from Ye ji no foo.
Sa ye mon no Kami.
Sa ye mon no ske, etc.
So (or Oo) hio ye no foo is another office.
Sa (or Oo) hio ye no Kami is head officer of high rank. This officer is
frequently mentioned by the Jesuits.
Sa hio ye no ske.
Oo hio ye no ske, etc.
Soma rio or Sa-oo ma rio. The office of right or left superintendent of
the cavalry.
Sa ma no Kami; Oo ma no Kami. Both of high rank.
Sa ma no gonno Kami; Oo ma no gonno Kami.
Ske and Gonno Ske. These take rank above all other ske.
Sa and Oo ma no dai jo and shojo. This is the first rank attained by a
commissioned officer in the army.
Hio ngo rio. Ordnance storehouse.
Hio no Kami. One officer.
Gay boo no Kwang. The outer military department. The army in
distinction from the guards.
The annals of the army are very ancient. In Tenshio dai jin’s time, the
title of the commander-in-chief was Fu dzu nushino kami, known by his
posthumous honors and title as Kashima Mio jin in Hitatsi province. The
title of Shiogoon (tsiang kiun) was first used by the Emperor Shiu jin
50 B.C. In the Emperor Kei ko’s time, his son, Yamato taki no mikoto,
was dai shiogoon, and there were two others, Sa and Oo shiogoon.
This Yamato overran all Japan and the island of Yezo, also the three
countries of Sinra, Corea, and Haxai or Hiakusai, provinces of what is
now known as Corea, and put into them Japanese offices and officers;
and after that commenced Goonfoo or military offices, or, in short, a
standing army.
Chinjiu foo. Office for northern provinces. C. no Shiogoon, an officer
who is general and commander-in-chief in the provinces of Mootz and
Dewa. Mootz no Kami (Sendai) is generally the hereditary Shiogoon of
these provinces. He is bound to keep, in the two provinces, an army of
5,000 men.
Chinji foo no fooku shiogoon is an officer called out only during war.
Chinji foo no goon kan, etc.
Se i dai Shiogoon (Ch., Tsing i ta tsiang kiun), tranquilizer of
barbarians; great army general. Yamato take no mikoto was the first
called Tai shiogoon. Se i was a title first given to Bunya no wata maro
for bringing all the wild northern part of Japan under rule. This is
the officer known to foreigners as Tycoon.
See i shi. The office of the tranquilizer of barbarians.
Sei fu is one name by which the Shiogoon’s castle in Yedo is known.
This title--and it is now only a title--has for long been in the
Minnamoto family. Yoritomo was Sei Shiogoon (not Kubosama, as Kæmpfer
says).
Sinwo. Imperial families; previously explained.
Koongio. This class includes all of the first three ranks, and Sanghi,
though of fourth rank. Only three men have been of the first rank and
first class while alive, Tatchibanna moroye, A.D. 749; Fusiwara no
Oshikatz, 762, a great tyrant; and Nangatte, so bad a man that the book
will not say when he lived, A.D. 770, 780. These three men all lived
and rose to power one after the other during the reign of Koken the
Empress. This woman is notorious in Japanese history for her outrage of
morality in her conduct with Dokio, a priest. She seems to have shown
talent and capacity in her public position, and reascended the throne
as Shio toku after one abdication.
Daijodaijin, Kwanbakku, Sessio, Sa and Oo daijin, previously explained.
Sho shin, all beneath the third rank, including Tenjio bito and
Jeengay, being so called, includes some Koongays and all the Daimios.
Kindatchi, sons of the Gosekkay.
Sho dai bu, officers of the fifth rank and below.
Samurai are all military men and civilians who are independent of trade
or farming.
The Emperor’s wife has the title of Ko-ngoo.
The Emperor’s widow has the title of Nioying.
The Emperor’s daughter has the title of Nei shin wo.
The female attendants are called Jo wo ro.
The female inferiors are called Ko jowo ro and Chiu ro.
The female lowest class are called Gay ro.
Then follow the titles of Buddhist officials in temples, such as--1,
Dai so jo, equal in rank to Shanghi; 2, Ho yin; 3, Ho-moo; 4, Sowodz
and Gonno Sowodz; 5, Ho-ngong; 6, Ris shi.
There are different titles of inferior orders of priests who have to do
with ritual, worship, funerals, etc.
* * * * *
The above gives an imperfect sketch of the offices, with the titles,
ranks, and degrees, of the officers connected with the government of
Japan. Such information is at the best uninteresting; but when it is
conveyed in names which have no meaning, it becomes, without some
practical acquaintance with the country, as difficult as it is useless
to attempt to master the subject. But to one living in the country this
knowledge is indispensable, and even for reading the letters of the old
Jesuits, who seem to have been thoroughly acquainted with the names
in common use by the people, some such information is very needful.
Thus we find, among many others, they speak of Toronosqui as Cauzuye
dono, and of Don Austin as Chikara dono, titles which are rendered in
the above list as Kadznyay no Kami and Chikara no Kami. These titles,
as has been said, are in use at the present day, but they refer more
to the old form of government of Miako, which has been supplanted by
the more recent imitation of it at Yedo. The latter having retained
the whole executive in its hands, the mere form has been left to
Miako. Now, when the country has begun to have relations with foreign
countries, the difficulty of the double government is hanging over the
rulers, who have not yet seen that one must be swept away as a thing
no longer required. The two parts of the double government come into
collision in presence of third powers. The Government of Yedo is still
to be explained, and the reader will then be able to see how far the
opposing interests of the two capitals throw difficulties in the way of
smooth progress.