A historical Perspective During the Reign of

Note # 9

If it were not for the Ryukyuan prefectural government and main land Japan during the 8th year of Meiji the Manchu Dynasty legation would have caused serious problems. They already had several trade violations against them.

Also they wanted a foothold in the Japanese or Okinawan archipelago. This problem was dealt with on a diplomatic level. There was no firm push by the Chinese, but the stimulus was there all the same.
The Ryukyuan government thru the Shinkashi clan enabled certain Okinawans with passports to go out and observe the Manchu's in order to keep an eye on their, coming and goings.
The Manchu Dynasty’s government office had certain connections in Korea at which time enabled them to watch these Okinawan’s watching them. They had traveled far but the Chinese had found them out early on, which made the Okinawan government look bad.

A letter was sent out from one of the southern islands named Miyakojima. This letter was for, the approval of certain trade certificates and buying rights for the Chinese. The Chinese wary as they were watch themselves very carefully. The Japanese and the Okinawan’s were able then thru this maneuver to better control the Chinese and their movements. The Chinese would loose face if they made any sudden overt moves toward something different. They knew any other violations would upset the already delicate trade balance they had acquired. The Manchu's still had an eye on Okinawa or Vassal State as they termed it. But during this time the government of the Ryukyu's changed their name from the Ryukyu's to the state of Okinawa. This change plus their alignment with mainland Japan changed Manchu's minds about wanting this island state. The Shinkoshi clan still operated under the old feudal system during the island name change.

Note # 10

One other reason for the name change was the invasion of Korea during the 6th year of Meiji. The Okinawans didn't want to give the impression that they were unprincipled islanders after other kingdoms. So after one of the planners of this change a one Saigo Ryujo who submitted a request to the emperor for this change and a request for alignment with Japan to change from a fief to a state. This then gave Okinawa more protection and prestige.

After this change Saigo returned to his government office. From this point on the conservative and innovative new public party started off in new directions. This party, which started with Saigo, was at its apex when they declared national preservation as their theme.
The island of Teniijima's party for administration claimed that civil rights also played a role in this gearing up of a new power base.
Also during this time there were areas where discontented Samurai lived and there were instances of rebellion from time to time. With the common people trading lands, implementing tax reforms the opposition was high. Several anti government uprisings were promoted during this troubled era. The whole country was up in arms over the proposed conquest of Formosa. There was discontent especially from the descendants of the Kobushi Ho. During the 8th year of Meiji temporary constitutions was formed and a decree of promise to see that this new form of government prevailed.
During the 7th year of Meiji the metropolitan police force was established and the police box system was also set up. Other item of interest developed rapidly i.e., newspapers, new laws, a proclamation establishing an armed force, and consolidation of public access was also introduced.
During the 10th year 1st month of Meiji the Satsuma rebellion started and was upsetting the delicate balance originally established. This problem with domestic affairs was very upsetting, and appeared to becoming international in scope. From this turbulent era many lessons were learned both domestic and international.

Note # 11

During the Meiji governments reign there was the disaster on Taiwan. Four ships 2 from Kuko and two from Yaeyama were sent by Kotosen during the 4th year of Meiji to Taiwan. These ships waited off Jima for 10 days for the winds to subside, which were caused by a very large typhoon. This typhoon is what created havoc on the island of Taiwan. On the 10th month 29th day of that year they pulled out of port onto their destinations.

The typhoon was still active during this time and the ships drifted for quite some time but still on course.
One ship form Yaeyama was unaccounted for. Another of the ships drifted ashore on the south side of Taiwan. Another ship of the ill fated four wrecked but was rescued by the Taiwanese. An imperial retainer from the mission was one of the survivors who stayed behind to ascertain the whereabouts of the rest of the crew.
The ships had crews from the island villages of Heiryo, Tashoku, Chusohan, and Genanika. Total crewmembers plus passengers was 69 people.
During the 11th month 6th day of Meiji off the Taiwanese southern coast seashore area of Hachiyaban, which was then a very barbaric region some of the ships had the misfortune to drift near this unknown area. Some of the lifeboats made it off the ships with survivors, but toward the end of the storm the waves and weather was still pretty bad and the boats almost didn't make it to shore. Some of the boats capsized which sent the survivors floundering. There were some that made it to shore out of the original 66 people. Natives who the survivors thought to be friends greeted them.
The Survivors were then taken by force, had their clothing removed along with the heads. It was their misfortune to land in an area infested with aboriginal headhunters. These uncivilized savages collected many heads. 12 of the survivors were spared and sold into slavery to the Taiwanese. The mayor of Chotaku was to spend 40 days on tour checking into the disappearances of the 66 people. Due to health reasons he could not tour instead the governor of Hoyamaken appointed his eldest son.

But his journey was cut short because he was robbed while enroute. After he returned to Naha safely he was given 200 more kin in gold and sent back on his way. The mayor of Chotaku's son expressed his thanks and gratitude of the assignment he was given and hoped to take his father’s place as his father’s health was fading slowly. This was a boon for Chotaku's son because he had big plans for, the prefecture and plans for solving this plight of missing people & ships. Yaeyama islanders rescued 12 people of the 66 the first month of the following year.

One half of the 12 returned to Okinawa and then on to Naha. The Manchu Dynasty that was ruling Taiwan at that time was well informed about the disappearances, and offered to pay reparation to the victim’s families.
After the incident and after the subjugation of these aborigines there were laws enacted by the Manchu to patrol and enforce the shipping lanes and their strict regulations.
Fukushima was another of the islands plagued by the same problem. Foreign affairs between the two islands of Ryukyu and Formosa needed to be patched up.
The Manchu Dynasty pledged to apply more pressure and control over these disputed regions during the 6th year 7th month of Meiji. This domestic subjugation of these territories was part of a new reconstruction effort implemented by the Manchu's. The rich merchants of the area played an important role in this scheme. They collected tributes from many people, which they used as an offering to get the Manchu's to act on their tribal problem.
A special envoy a one Yonagenshin from the Ryukyu clan was tasked to solve the Manchu's a long time seemingly dauntless problem. Another item on the agenda was that the Okinawan’s would not seek to conquer Taiwan. So concessions had to be made on both sides of the lake.
Various factions of the Shizoku were still dissatisfied with the decision of a "No Conquest Attitude". This decree came from the executive office of the government. The so-called resolution or pursuance of the Taiwan problem was left in the hands of the bureaucrats.
The American Consul, who was a distinguished war veteran, a One John Dollar, provided a further comment on the Seikyosho-Do in Taiwan. Mr. Dollar was a distinguished Navy Staff Officer who commanded two U.S. Warships during the 4th month 9th day of the 7th year of Meiji. They sailed up Shinakaawa Ko to meet with the head Ryukyuan's and Manchu's, to ensure that either country started no conquest ventures. The subsequent trade agreements hung the balance of which the U.S. & England were a part. The meeting was canceled and rescheduled later because of some minor disagreements. During this time the imperial armed forces consisting of the Army Commanded by Major General Kokuho Shiro and the Navy Rear, Admiral Akamatsu Sokuryo of whom both commanded 3600 men were being formed.
Some 300 men were conscripted from Rokuji Jima, which was considered an isle of prosperity and peace. The American and English ships were also due to depart with goods & information that they had collected during their visit. Part of the American/English venture was to promote peace and prosperity and trade between the two countries of Okinawa and Taiwan.

They had also met with military attaches for military information exchange. Commander John Dollar took back with him s signed long-standing treaty for trade agreements.

It is believed that the aborigine problem still existed at this point in time even after the incident of the killings was investigated and thought taken care of. On one other occasion a group of travelers on their way to give a gift to a shrine were attacked by these aborigine's and had their gifts set on fire, and barely escaped with their lives.
At one time the Japanese Army had driven these aborigines into the Mountains and thought to only dwell in the higher regions. Some surrendered and were given a new life. Others stayed where they were to live their austere life style. The Japanese thought at one to have captured their leader and had him beheaded. A place today marks his grave. This was supposed to have driven these people out of there, past and into the future, where they could start anew. Upon returning the remains of some of the villagers and telling the Taiwanese of what they encountered returned triumphantly with what was left of the 12 ships. They had suffered 17 casualties to achieve this goal.

Also it was noted that during this campaign that 61 other people died of an outbreak of malaria. So this campaign did have its bad side.

Sanko I (Ref # I) this reference is about a spy that was within the Justice Party System.
The Shoden Shobunkan was the party of the ruling class that worked toward abolishing the animosity of this new system and establishing a sphere of cooperation within the islands. Within this system was a journalist whose sole purpose was to write about and report on this system and conveys his work to the common man that it was designed to help.
There were factions who during this period that wanted a totally different system. This journalist though was spying on the Shoen Shobunkan. The journalist was a farmer, who through the government was creating unpopular feelings toward this new government system.

In the village of Shuri there were individuals who were descendants from the Mandarins of Taiwan Shosei 0, Daihachi Oshi, and Togo Yamaoshi who were employed at a branch office of the Prewar Ministry. They were there to help quell some of these anti government feelings and restore the confidence of the populace.

Next in this reference is mention of two princes from Okinawa. One was the 21st descendant from the Anji line and the other was the 31st descendant from the Sochito line who later, became a minor official in some government office. The princes who came from a pure bloodline represented the real power of the government. These two princes studied together as children and grew up to be officials for the government. These two endured many hardships together. The two formed a special clique of which there many people involved. Their specialty was to monitor trade to and from the islands. They also had functionary duties in the Pre War Ministry. They did the bidding of the Sanshiko’s.
One other of their, concerns was interfacing with the local farmers in the setting up and establishing weights, measures, and pricing & wage guidelines. Some of the farmers it seems were not getting fair prices for, their, goods that’s why this system was set up. It seemed to the farmers that what they were getting for their, crops in bulk was quite a bit less than they expected. Often the farmers had to sell their livestock to make up for what they did not get at harvest time. But the farmers persevered. They harvested their, crops and had big festivals despite the setbacks. During the festivals the farmers helped build up ancient landmarks using there, own gold. They were forced into this and almost never, recouped their money from these projects. The farmer, though on a whole were a happy lot they played, ate, and grew old.
The Manchu Dynasty’s one important trait was one of loyalty and patriotism. One could always anticipate this sort of thing. Japan was the same way. This was evident through the actions of the ancient Samurai.
The people who built up the government of Japan and brought about political reforms did so with their heart and soul. The Samurai were able to control to some degree the criminal element thru the use of the newly established police force. By reaching out to the masses for help they were able to round up many undesirables on Okinawa.
The resolution of the traitor malcontent problem was finally on the way. Thru this effort they were able to uncover many that were not faithful toward the new government. With people who thought more of their lords than themselves it was easy to weed out the opportunists who used every means to get around the law. The Shoden Shubunkan had drafted a secret message to secure a ruling portion of the clan’s authority to be able to give them common man a chance to prove his worth in this new era. It was also aimed at the person who was to have no knowledge of worldly affairs.
The Shoden Shubinkan and its armies were protected by the metropolitan police force while this message was being disseminated because there were factions that were threatening revolution.
Shotai 0 was one of the stubborn elements. It was that if feudalism were done away with the ruling class would collapse both economically and physically. Shotai and Yorijo wanted to back a group who was in favor, of keeping feudalism and the clans alive.

Through government intervention this group did not last long. The Manchu Dynasty kept this alive on Taiwan though. Japan and Okinawa on the other hand were bent on change and change they did. Former feudal lords were offered positions within the government and others were given the axe sort to speak.

So afterwards a ship came for Shotai and took him and some his followers elsewhere to achieve their goal. But due to health reasons he had to cancel his campaign and was allowed to return to the capital.
He was subsequently seeking help from individuals in China to help achieve his goal. But due to unforeseen circumstances they could offer him no assistance.
As was stated earlier Shotai was trying to ally support for his popular movement. But due to an illness he had to postpone his plans for 3 months. But he was circulating a petition for his cause. This petition did not elicit the support he needed because of his unpopularity.
Shotai sent his eldest son Shoten to the capital to advise the government that he has temporarily given up his quest. The Shoden Shubunkan allowed Shoten to proceed to the capital anyway. But Shoten did not wait around for per mission he left anyway on his own. This was supposedly part of a strategy of Bokuriken Ryoshintoku, which originated with the Sankako. Shoten upon arriving at his destination and explaining his plight was refused his petition taken and was put under house arrest and used as a bargaining chip to induce Shotai to back off from his quest permanently. Shotai unaware of his son’s plight was to meet him coming off one of the new generation of ships coming into Naha. Instead an imperial messenger of the Satsuma Clan a one Soryo Shosei met him. This messenger was one, which Shotai would recognize. This was because Soryo Shosei was close to the emperor.
Shotai during the time he was waiting for his son Shotai contracted a rare nervous disorder, which didn't help his already mounting physical problems.
Shotai was then whisked off to the capital to resolve his request his son brought. Once arrived tie remained in custody with his son. His request was to be reviewed at a later date.
Sanko III (Ref III)
Next a bit about the problem on Sento Jima & Bun Jima. During the 12 month 9th year of Meiji a Sino Japanese agreement was reached between the two governments in regards to the aborigine problem. These natives had been subjugated and were supposedly under control. This agreement was especially important for Okinawan’s whose trade route traversed this area.
Now the problem of the abolition of the clans was reopened again with Shoten.
An emissary Shinkoku Koji had stowed aboard a ship with a secret, from Shoten to elicit support from the Manchu’s for his plight on the outcome concerning their peaceful jade isle of Okinawa.

The Manchu Dynasty sent a politician to Okinawa in hopes of taking advantage of Shotens request. The time was getting close for the decree of the abolition and establishing of prefectures to come about.

The Okinawan government showed positive signs toward the new system despite Shotens request and subsequent arrival of the Manchus emissary. The Sh0gUn was due back from a trip to America, and was stopping off at Okinawa to look into and mediate this problem they were encountering in the changeover, to the new system.
The Okinawan’s and the Chinese were already on good footing during this era. Each able to travel and trade between the two countries freely. They hoped this agreement would be a long-standing one as each had much to gain from this partnership. The Okinawan’s wanted to establish more rights and trade agreements with China.
Japan, Okinawa and China were melting into a solid partner ship by this time. The American President was even asked to help mediate this difficult inter national partnership. This occurred during the 4th year of Meiji. During this time China had also established trade agreements with America to include travel, friendship, and territorial agreements. The establishing and settling of these agreements took quite some time to work out.

But China was concerned as the Japanese were of the inadequacies of their armed forces. China believed that each country should be equal.

Other problems included the Enbi Shoto Island group, Sento Shoto Island group, and the Okinawan Gunto. Who should have possession Okinawa or Japan? This brought up many questions and problems and was a long time in resolving these territorial disputes. In the meantime the Manchus were working to resolve their problems with the Russians. They were in dispute over several territories also.

Talks were in progress to set up trade and territorial rights but Sento Shoto and the Okinawan Gunto dispute was still ongoing as it affected everyone.

In addition there were problems encountered by the Japanese shopkeepers and China and Japan as to their rights and trade agreements. There were problems to be resolved also between China, Russia and now France.
These were problems surrounding Korea, which created problems with the Nisshin Sino agreements. The island dispute was really never settled but was an ongoing process. The dispute over the Koreans was also an ongoing process also.
EICHI TO GUMAI

WISDOM AND IGNORANCE

Inamura Kayu yori
In the ethics of the meanings of the Chrysanthemum and the sword, there are many parallels for example where you have people who are quarrelsome you will find people who are courteous. Where find people who are loyal you will find people who are disloyal. And where you find people who are heroic you will find people who are cowards. This is the way of wisdom and ignorance. It is all in the people. They have to seize the moment.
A description of a cultured man from the standpoint of character and spirit is often very difficult. The way to describe a pet son would be to do it as the Europeans do. Describe the man the way he "really" is and not the way people "think" he should be.
Mr. Chiden Osa describes in his magazine about the Kenjin or (Wiseman) and the Oroka na Jin (Foolish man). After reading the article it makes one wonder who is more foolish.
The nature of man is that he has to have a reason for everything be it a dispute or, a quest for peace. In this complex literature book of life we deal with many disparities and equalities. One individual comes to mind a Mr. Ganrokuji, who was born with a strong spirit. His spirit was as strong as Daidojo Yuyama and Yamamoto Jocho who were literary figures.
Their spirits still prevail today. Now with these gentlemen’s destinies in mind, we should reach out and emulate these individuals. The individuals are of Bushido and should be well remembered.
Now to speak of another matter, if one has lots of gold and silver he can do many things. But eventually this wealth would turn to lust and greed.
On Okinawa in the old days the Samurai considered it foolish to hoard and handle money. As a Samurai ones life and attitude were tuned to such a degree that they were almost perfect. This discourse on Bushido and the Samurai was published so as to bring out the fine points of being Samurai. To enable the reader to see bigger Picture of what these warriors were all about.
During the ancient times and even today the stupidity of man and his wisdom were very two special topics of conversation. Both were subjugated to a degree and remodeled to fit whatever era was present. Each though had its place. You could not have one without the other much like Ying and Yang.
Many as being very wise considered the topic of changing words but keeping the original meaning. A person who could do this was considered special. Often something said a different way might have swayed someone or something to change the course of destiny. This pet son uses both his mind and spit it in this endeavor.
Today Bushido is thought of on the same line as "sports". This should not be. Where is the wisdom in this type of thinking? There are many deep emotions, which lie in Bushido.
Many people are sympathetic, to not change its nature or original meanings. There again is wisdom and foolishness on both sides. One must try to embrace the shining path.

Nihon Bushido Kakukai Kaicho

Sokukei Kyoiku Daigaku Meijo Kyoju

Nihon Bushido Kan Hakko Bushido

Sengetsu yori

TOSEI

 Dai Ichi Sho Bujutsu Shugyo no Shi 

(Chapter I- A record of the pursuit of Martial Arts)
 Bugei Sha toshite no Shi-­

(A record of a Martial Arts person)
In the closing years of the Manchu Dynasty Uechi Kanbun proceeded to the crowded continent of China. The reason for this was to study Chugoku Kobushi Ho. This would enable him to combine and develop his mind, body, and spit it.
In those days Uechi Kanbun wanted to learn more than just technique. He knew that his training would be different and that he would learn step by careful step. But there was certain vagueness about his plans. But this would later clear up and his way would be clear. He learned of Chugoku Kobushi Ho through rumors and decided to pursue these rumors about a strange new style. The Chinese he found out were hesitant about giving this type of information to foreigners. He figured that by putting aside barriers on customs and discounts rumor and conjecture he would seek this style out and learn it. He had a hunch that this new style would elevate his learning to higher levels. Naturally his Curiosity and desire to learn exceeded even his own expectations.
This era was a time when it seemed that man was de-generating both physically and mentally. It was like man had lost his desire for knowledge. At this time Uechi Kanbun’s desires were small but has he journeyed his expectations grew, as did his knowledge. His faith was deeply implanted.
As a matter of record Bugeisha of Kobushi Ho Uechi Kanbun had many opportunities to write about history and how it was developed was vague in that he never indicated to what extent he would use this information he acquired. But he was exact in what he wanted to learn but to what use would he put it; it was still undecided. Uechi Kanbun felt that mans curiosity and will to learn served as fuel to develop a powerful spirit.

Uechi Kanbuns plans for the future a little like trial and error along with good judgement. The helped achieve his goal as a Bugeisha. Therefore, from his point of view any action properly executed with proper spirit will ensure one a stable future. With this attitude he expanded his knowledge even beyond his expectations. He put out the extra effort to learn the secrets of this health invigorating style. With his trip to China and his founding of Uechi-Ryu Karate Jutsu formally named Pangainoon opened many doors for this new teacher.

Uechi Kanbun being an only child learned quite a bit of basics from his father before setting out on his own path to enlightenment. From the ages of 8   17 he studied Bujutsu and Okinawan "TOTE". In the old days in Northern Okinawa the common people had a liking for Okinawan "Te". This style was much like a dance, which had its own class and grade structure. This style had the outward appearance of being very powerful.
 Bukyo toshite no Itomi-