ABSTRACT
The early hours of NewYear’s Day 1890 in Gifu city, administrative capital and largest urban centre of Gifu prefecture, were described by a local journalist1:
All the streets were silent. There was no trace of anyone. The only visible movement was that of the national flag fluttering from the eaves. But as the sun rose, one could hear the clap clap of hands as people prayed to the Shinto-gods. Soon, the streets resounded to the clacking of wooden clogs as people went on their round of New Year’s visits, leaving their name cards as they called, and then of the heads of households who, on learning of the visit, quickly drew on their new Western clothes or old traditional jackets as they hurried to return the compliment.
