120420-0005 - Samurai with Firearms

Samurai holding matchlock firearms known as Tanegashima (種子島) or Hinawaju (火縄銃) in Omura (大村), Nagasaki Prefecture. Two packhorses can be seen in the background.

Because of its proximity to Nagasaki, the castle town was among the first areas open to foreigners after the end of the national seclusion policy (鎖国, Sakoku).

Published in the Illustrated London News on October 26, 1861 (Bunkyu 1).

Original text: “Sketches from the interior of Japan: Our escort of matchlockmen at Omura.”