Footnote 12: [(return)]
Japanese cities are divided into wards, and every tradesman and artisan is under the authority of the chief of the ward in which he resides. The word chônin, or wardsman, is generally used in contradistinction to the word samurai, which has already been explained as denoting a man belonging to the military class.
Footnote 13: [(return)]
The name Yoshiwara, which is becoming generic for "Flower Districts,"—Anglicé, quarters occupied by brothels,—is sometimes derived from the town Yoshiwara, in Sunshine, because it was said that the women of that place furnished a large proportion of the beauties of the Yedo Yoshiwara. The correct derivation is probably that given below.
Footnote 14: [(return)]
Those who are interested in this branch of social science, will find much curious information upon the subject of prostitution in Japan in a pamphlet published at Yokohama, by Dr. Newton, R.N., a philanthropist who has been engaged for the last two years in establishing a Lock Hospital at that place. In spite of much opposition, from prejudice and ignorance, his labours have been crowned by great success.
Footnote 15: [(return)]
The Legacy of Iyéyasu, translated by F. Lowder. Yokohama, 1868. (Printed for private circulation.)
Footnote 16: [(return)]
Hatamotos. The Hatamotos were the feudatory nobles of the Shogun or Tycoon. The office of Taikun having been abolished, the Hatamotos no longer exist. For further information respecting them, see the note at the end of the story.
Footnote 17: [(return)]
The first Council of the Shogun's ministers; literally, "assembly of imperial elders."
Footnote 18: [(return)]
A physician attending a personage of exalted rank has always to drink half the potion he prescribes as a test of his good faith.
Footnote 19: [(return)]
Goddess of the sun, and ancestress of the Mikados.
Footnote 20: [(return)]
"In respect to revenging injury done to master or father, it is granted by the wise and virtuous (Confucius) that you and the injurer cannot live together under the canopy of heaven.
Footnote 21: [(return)]
See the story of Kazuma's Revenge.