Chapter 346 Unequal Treaty
The Tokugawa Japan surrendered to the French forces by waving the white flag that the French handed to them. Preparations for an official diplomatic meeting were swiftly arranged.
The meeting point would be the Edo Castle with Francis Bonaparte serving as the official representative of the French Empire and for Tokugawa Japan, it would be Governor Takoyashi.
July 11th, 1821.
As Francis moved through the streets of Edo with his automobile, he noted the stark difference in house design from what he was accustomed to in the West. The structures were mainly wooden, with defined beams and supports evident on the exterior. The roofs were tiled, slanting downwards, providing protection against the elements.
Houses had sliding doors, made of thin paper panels framed in wood, which seemed both functional and practical. It allowed for easy adjustments to the space and seemed ideal for ventilation in warmer months. Stone pathways led to some homes, while others had simple dirt tracks leading up to them.
Here and there, he spotted larger buildings with thick white walls. He inferred these to be storehouses or perhaps places of some importance due to their sturdier build. As the vehicle progressed, he noticed the residences growing in size and elegance, hinting at the socioeconomic structure of the city's residents where those nearest to the Edo Castle were likely those of higher status or rank in society.
The streets, despite being narrow, were efficient, allowing for a smooth flow of pedestrians and vehicles. The people lining the streets couldn't help but look at the automobile Francis was riding.
It was their first time seeing it, so their shocked curious expressions were expected. Most of the locals whispered among themselves, pointing and discussing the strange vehicle that rumbled through their streets.
Speaking of the locals, Francis took an interest in their fashion style. Unlike in the West, where a man would wear a three-piece black suit and a hat, the Japanese wore something entirely different. The majority of men wore kimono-style garments, which were long robes wrapped around the body and secured with a sash, known as an obi. These kimonos varied in color and design. Some were simple, solid colors, while others had intricate patterns. Paired with these were wooden sandals called geta or zori, depending on the design.
The women, on the other hand, also wore kimonos but theirs tended to be more vibrant with floral or geometric patterns. They also wore obis, but often more ornately tied. Some women could be seen with their hair styled in traditional updos, decorated with combs and hairpins.
Children, resembling smaller versions of the adults, were also dressed in kimonos, but theirs seemed more practical for play, being shorter and less restrictive.
In the more bustling areas, Francis also observed merchants and traders. Their attire was slightly different, with them often wearing simple tunics and pants, likely for ease of movement. On their heads, some wore broad straw hats to shield them from the sun.
As the automobile neared the castle, the attire of the locals began to shift. Here, near the heart of power, the kimonos were more ornate, signifying wealth and status. The fabrics looked richer and more varied in hue. Additionally, there were more samurai and officials, distinguishable by their hakama – pleated pants worn over the kimono – and the two swords they typically carried.
It was clear to Francis that, like in Europe, clothing in Japan served not just a functional purpose but also communicated social standing and profession.
Behind the automobile were French soldiers marching with French flags hoisted and singing a marching song. "Chanson de l'Oignon" or in English "Song of the Onion".
"Daphne, you have missed a lot," Francis said, his mind flickering back to the times when he was at the battleship. He offered Daphne to come with him to Edo but she refused, simply saying that she would get tired and so would rather stay in the battleship and wait for him.
Francis brought up his camera and took pictures of the surrounding areas and the locals. He planned on showing it to Daphne when he returned to the ship.
As Francis and his entourage reached the Edo Castle, there was a noticeable increase in security. Tokugawa officials and samurai guarded the entrance. The castle itself was imposing, with stone walls and a massive wooden gate. Above it all, the main keep of the castle towered over the city.
Governor Takoyashi, dressed in a formal dark-colored kimono with an intricate design, stood waiting for them. A group of high-ranking officials accompanied him. As Francis stepped out of the automobile, the two parties bowed in respect to each other.
The French and the Japanese representatives were then led into the main hall of the castle. The interior was spacious with tatami mats covering the floor and ornate folding screens separating sections of the room. There were no chairs to be seen, so Francis figured that they'd sit on the floor during the meeting, following Japanese customs.
Francis and his team were given cushions to sit on. The Japanese officials sat across from them. There was a brief moment of silence, after which Governor Takoyashi began the conversation.
"Your Highness, allow me to formally welcome you to the Edo Castle," Takoyashi said.
Li Wei, who served as the translator since their first contact with Japan, promptly translated Takoyashi's words.
"Arigato," Francis replied.
Takoyashi tilted his head to the side, hearing the crown prince of the French Empire speak their language.
"It seems you've learned some of our words, Your Highness. That's commendable."
Li Wei translated and Francis nodded slightly, "Only a few phrases. Do you want me to show it to you?"
"Please do," Takoyashi smiled politely.
Francis took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts. "Watashi wa... Fran... Francis Bonaparte desu?" he stuttered slightly, trying to get the pronunciation just right.
There was a pause. Takoyashi's lips curled into an amused smile. "That was a good attempt, Your Highness. Your accent has charm."
The other Japanese officials exchanged glances and murmured among themselves.
"You flatter me, I know I messed up the pronunciation but anyway, let's begin this discussion. It saddens me a bit that you are representing Tokugawa Japan, not the Shogun…Not that I have a problem with you, it's just that it would have been better. But since you were given full authority, you'll do."
Takoyashi nodded thoughtfully, taking in Francis' words. "Understood, Your Highness. The Shogun felt it necessary for me to represent our nation in this significant meeting. But rest assured, his wishes and decisions are fully communicated to me, and I am here with his full trust and authority."
Li Wei rapidly translated the exchange to ensure both parties were kept in the loop.
Francis nodded. "Very well. Let's discuss the terms of our agreement and your surrender. Here are the proposals that we have summarized for you. Please read it."
Francis's staff handed Takoyashi a document, carefully laid out on high-quality paper. The text was written in both French and Japanese to ensure clarity and understanding.
Takoyashi took a moment to scan the document, his eyes moving between the French and Japanese texts. The title of the treaty is called the Treaty of Peace and Amity.
"We, the representatives of the French Empire, propose the following terms for consideration:
We propose the establishment of a mutual peace agreement between our two empires, the Empire of France and the Empire of Japan.
We suggest the opening of the ports of Shimoda, Hakodate, and Yokohama to our ships for purposes of refueling, resupplying, and trade.
We propose that both our nations establish a jointly-agreed currency exchange mechanism to make trade transactions smoother and more efficient.
We would like to propose the establishment of a French consulate in Edo. This would serve as a center for diplomatic relations, facilitate trade agreements, and assist any French citizens residing in Japan.
To ensure a consistent and effective diplomatic relationship, we propose that both our nations appoint ambassadors. Their role would be to oversee the proper execution of the treaty's stipulations and maintain open lines of communication.
In matters of law, we propose that our French citizens in Japan remain under the jurisdiction of French law and our consulate.
Recognizing the potential of trade between our nations, we propose that tariffs for our imports to Japan be set at a favorable rate, ideally reduced, for the next decade.
We hold the right to religious freedom in high regard. Thus, we propose that French citizens in Japan be allowed to practice their religion without any obstacles or interference from local authorities.
In the spirit of goodwill, we will immediately and unconditionally return any Japanese prisoners of war or other detained citizens to Japan.
Lastly, considering the expenses borne by the French Empire during the recent military expedition, we propose that Japan compensates us for the costs incurred.
R𝑒ad latest chapt𝒆rs at f(r)eew𝒆bnovel.com Only