Rizal's Romantic Visit to Japan (1888)

After leaving Hong Kong aboard the Oceanic, Jose Rizal arrived in Japan. During his stay, he admired Japanese culture, met important people, and developed a romantic relationship with O-Sei-San (Seiko Usui). Eventually, Rizal left Japan to continue his journey to the United States aboard the Belgic.

February 28, 1888

Arrival in Japan

The Oceanic arrived at:

Yokohama, Japan

This marked Rizal's first visit to Japan.

Rizal's First Impressions

Rizal admired Japan because of its:

• Beauty

• Cleanliness

• Discipline

• Politeness of the people

Juan Perez Caballero

• Secretary of the Spanish Legation in Tokyo.

• Welcomed Rizal warmly.

• Invited Rizal to stay at the Spanish Legation instead of a hotel.

Rizal Moves to Tokyo

Following Caballero's invitation,

Rizal transferred from Yokohama to:

Tokyo

where he stayed at the Spanish Legation.

Rizal's Impressions of Japan

1. The beauty of Japanese women.

2. The cleanliness of the people.

3. The courtesy and politeness of the Japanese.

4. The picturesque scenery.

5. The patriotism of the Japanese people.

Things Rizal Did Not Like

He observed that:

• There were very few Christian churches.

• The use of rickshaws was physically demanding for the pullers.

O-Sei-San (Seiko Usui)

• A beautiful Japanese woman.

• Her real name was Seiko Usui.

• Better known as O-Sei-San

Rizal's Romance

• She taught Rizal the Japanese language.

• Rizal admired her beauty, kindness, and intelligence

Rizal and O-Sei-San became very close.

Why Rizal Did Not Marry O-Sei-San

Although Rizal loved her, he decided not to stay in Japan because:

1. He still had a mission to accomplish for the Philippines.

2. He wanted to continue his travels and studies.

3. He believed his patriotic duty came before his personal happiness.

April 13, 1888

Rizal left Japan aboard the:

BELGIC

Destination:

United States of America.

Rizal's Feelings Upon Leaving

Rizal admitted that leaving Japan was difficult because he had grown to love:

• the country

• its people

• O-Sei-San

Rizal's Final Thoughts About Japan

• the discipline of its people.

• their patriotism.

• their cleanliness.

• their respect for others.