Scarce view of Yokohama after its opening to commercial trade with America, Great Britain, France, Russia, and the Netherlands shortly after the signing of the Ansei Treaties in 1858. The port, which formally opened to foreign commerce in June 1859, had previously been strictly closed to outsiders, who could even be killed by the Feudal Lords for attempting to access the Tokaido corridor. "Honcho Dori", the main thoroughfare running through the port town became an attraction to American sailors for its bars and brothels. The common slang term "hunky dory" was born of the Anglicization of that road name: if the sailor's found themselves lost in an unknown part of town, they could ask for the way back to "hunky dory"; where everything's fine.

together with: Bankoku Shimun Shi. A 36-page illustrated Yokohama newspaper offering up to date information on business, shipping, local variety, and news from Hawaii and Hong Kong. In addition to the woodcuts of trade ships there is a diagram at the back for butchering a cow with the different cuts of meat explained. 8vo format, 10x7 1/4 inches, original wraps with later stitching; minor wear. Japan, Keio 3 (1867).