A Beautiful Geisha who was Used to Conclude Treaty

"Toujin Okichi"

In the 19th century, major western powers were pressuring Japan to open the country which had been closed to most of the world for more than 200 years. Townsend HARRIS, who was the first American counselor in Japan, was staying at Shimoda in Shizuoka prefecture to help prepare both countries to enter into a commerce treaty. However, he became sick due to his hard work and asked the local officer to find him a nurse to take care of him.

The Japanese side interpreted his request as wanting a mistress. At that time other Asian countries had been forced to enter into unfair treaties with western countries. Then, the Shogunate at the time considered how to make the best use of this situation to further their negotiations. A young girl named SAITO Kichi (l84l - 1891) was selected for the purpose. She was 17 years old at the time and had a reputation as the most beautiful woman in Shimoda. She had been adopted when she was a little child and later became independent and engaged to a man called Tsurumatsu.

At that time, the Japanese harbored prejudice against foreigners thinking they were fearful human beings. Using honeyed words, an officer persistently asked Okichi to accept their request for the sake of the country. She reluctantly accepted their proposal. People felt sympathy towards Okichi. however their sympathy turned into jealousy when they saw her dressing up more beautifully every day. Furthermore, when they saw her leaving to visit Harris by carriage, they heaped scorn on her by calling her "toujin," which is a derogatory term used when referring to foreigners.

Okichi received a high salary, which led some people to believe she had become a mistress to Harris, but on the other hand, many people believe she simply took care of him and nothing more. It is actually not known how long she was with Harris, but some say two days and others say two years. However, the image that she slept with a foreign man was created, so many people gradually called her "Toujin Okichi." When she could not endure this cold discrimination any longer, she again met Tsurumatsu, who was working in Yokohama. Their love started to rekindle and they finally married.

The couple returned to Shimoda and lived there together. Tsurumatsu became a ship carpenter and Okichi a hair dresser. However, after a while, their relationship deteriorated and Okichi began to drink sake to escape her feelings of emptiness. As a result, the couple divorced five years later. After the breakup, Okichi worked as a geisha for two years at Mishima before returning to Shimoda and opening a small pub-restaurant. However, she became subject to profane outbursts of "toujin" again and two years later she quit the business.

After being subject to so much ridicule, she stopped working and drank even more. As she had nobody to take care of her and had lost everything, she killed herself by diving into a deep chasm at the age of 50 in 1891. Her sad story has been performed in many dramas up to now and brings many audiences to tears.

Japan successfully concluded an equal commerce treaty with America after Okichi left Harris. Soon after, Harris returned to America. Okichi was found in Kyoto where she was with a group of nationalists that included SAKAMOTO Ryoma. It is reported that Okichi’s opinion that Japan should be opened was often remarked about by other members.

Hofukuji Temple
www4.i-younet.ne.jp/~hofukuji/

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