1 |
Konichiwa! Now that I look at you closely, you don’t look like a local. How did you get here? Don’t you know that Japan is closed to foreigners? But since you are already here, I could use your help. |
2 |
My name is Iwasaki Yataro. I am on my way to Edo. If you want, you can join me, the journey will pass faster. We just need to procure some food for the road. |
3 |
We have finally reached Edo but now I received some bad news. My father has been hurt by some sinister men. I need to return to our village. But I have no horse. Can you take me there on a ship? |
4 |
Our village is located on the shore so we can reach it by your ship easily. But the winds from the sea are cold during this time of year. We could definitely use warm clothing. |
5 |
The village headman is behind the attack on my father and the local magistrate is refusing to listen to my case. I need to get their attention somehow! Have your men spread the word. |
6 |
I have been incarcerated for slandering the headman and magistrate. I need you to take care of my parents while I am in jail. Can you help them by procuring a new set of farming tools? |
7 |
After 7 months, I am a free man. But with no job and no money. I would like to become a teacher for the local school. If I help to fix the old building, they could overlook the bad reputation I have now. |
8 |
Teaching is all good and well but I miss the busy streets of Edo. I would like to return back. The fare does not have to be paid in money. Your support would be greatly appreciated. |
9 |
It’s great to be back in Edo! I have a feeling this time I will have more luck and stay longer. Let’s celebrate the new beginning by having some sake at the local inn! |
10 |
I have met some interesting people. They think Japan should end its isolation. Meeting you, I see there could be a real benefit in that. I am having dinner with them tomorrow. Will you join us? |
11 |
My new friends will introduce me to the person standing behind these revolutionary ideas. He is a high-standing man so I need to dress up appropriately. If I only had the money for a new kimono. |
12 |
The meeting went better than expected. I was offered a job as a government clerk under the lord Yamauchi Toyoshige. He is also an advocate for the opening of our country. But now, let’s celebrate my new job. |
13 |
Now, that I work in the local trading office, I see how much we could benefit from opening our borders. Buying wood from the neighboring village is fine, but the real development lies in foreign trade. |
14 |
Through all the hard work, I can finally afford to buy back my family’s samurai status. We lost it due to the debts of my grandfather. To celebrate this, I have ordered a custom set of katanas. |
15 |
I have been promoted to the top position at the trading office. I will need to move to Nagasaki. Can you spare some men to help me move my belongings? |
16 |
We have arrived in Nagasaki. I am going to the office right away. There is a delivery of ship parts arriving today. I need to check if the trade is arranged and all is running smoothly. |
17 |
Finally, I can have a moment’s rest. Today’s trade is complete and they don’t need me at the office anymore. The journey and work have left me hungry. Shall we feast on some fish tonight? |
18 |
As the head of the trading office, I have been asked to procure material to fix the local shrine. Can you provide assistance in this matter? It would mean a lot to the townspeople. |
19 |
The main export commodities of our domain are camphor oil and paper. These goods we trade for ships, weapons, and ammunition. First, let’s get some wood for the paper production. |
20 |
The production of camphor oil has hit a snag. We won’t be able to deliver all the promised goods on time. Do you have an idea where we could get more oil? |
21 |
We do not have enough space to store all the goods. There are more warehouses in the city. Can you ask around and find us a suitable warehouse for rent? |
22 |
Oh no! My men have eaten some spoiled fish and are unable to come to work. Can you provide some of your crew to assist me in today's endeavors? |
23 |
Have you heard the news? There was a revolution and Emperor Meiji is back on the throne. I have been summoned to Osaka. Our ship needs quick maintenance before we depart. |
24 |
Yamauchi-san, my old boss, has given me a job again. He founded a trading company and wants me to be the president. I need some food to digest all this new information. |
25 |
The Tsukumo Trading Company is a shipping company that will use mainly sea transport for trade. Now that we are slowly opening to trade with other countries we will need a lot of new ships. |
26 |
Yamauchi-san and his clan have left the company in my care. So I have decided to mark this point with a name change. From now on the company will be known as Mitsubishi Shokai. |
27 |
The business is going well. We will need more ships to meet the demand. Modern steamships are more efficient than sailing ships. But they need coal as fuel. So let’s acquire a coal mine. |
28 |
The costs of the ship repairs are too high to my liking. If we had our own shipyard, we could fix our fleet at a much lower cost. Isn’t the government selling the old shipyard in port? |
29 |
Our new shipyard will need a lot of iron for the repairs. Most of our fleet consists of iron-hulled steamships. Do you know about a good iron supplier? |
30 |
The iron you delivered was fine, but the price was too high. We could get raw iron ore much cheaper and produce the metal in our own iron mill. Let’s build that iron mill close to the shipyard. |
31 |
Our new government has contracted us to transport soldiers and weapons. This is a great honor. However, I did not expect it and all our sailors are away at sea. Can your crew take care of this? |
32 |
We have a new contract from the government. They would like to purchase our ships for an expedition to Taiwan. I don’t mind but I have a shipment of marble to deliver. Please, take care of it. |
33 |
The government has returned our ships and we can keep the money too. This was a fine deal. Even though the vessels need a bit of repair before we can put them back into service. |
34 |
These deals have established a good relationship with the government. Our company will definitely benefit from that. Now let’s try one of these imported wines. They are made from grapes, not rice. So exotic. |
35 |
Now that we have government support, it’s a great time to expand into a new industry. Finance and insurance are fields where I want to invest next. I shall tell you more over a meal. |
36 |
I have taken a lease on Nagasaki Shipyard. This will allow us to expand by building new ships for other companies. This needs an initial investment but it will bring us large profits. |
37 |
A bunch of former samurai are stirring up trouble and protesting against the new regime. The government is sending soldiers to suppress the rebellion. I offered to transport them on our ships. |
38 |
The rebellion was successfully suppressed. I invited a few guests to celebrate this victory. Join us. Just make sure to dress properly. There will be some important people from the government. |
39 |
The dinner made me realize I need a relaxing spot near my estate. So I have purchased a stroll garden. I would like to restore it so my guests can enjoy it. Will you help me with it? |
40 |
Of course, you are always welcome to my home and garden. You have helped me greatly during all those years. Mitsubishi would not be such a success without you. Sayonara, captain! |
Final |
Thank you for your help. Don't forget your reward, captain. |