According to Modern Japanese Cuisine: Food, Power and National Identity, by Katarzyna J. Cwiertka, Japan’s first book on Western food and etiquette was Seiyo Ishokuju, Western Ways of Living, Food, Clothes and House published in 1867. It showed Japanese people how to eat, dress and even urinate in the correct Western manner.
It is attributed to Yukichi Fukuzawa (1835-1901), a key figure who founded Keio University, a leading private university in Tokyo; as well as a newspaper and The Institute for Study of Infectious Diseases. He was a member of the first Japanese delegation to the United States (1860) and Europe (1862).
Fukuzawa became a champion of Westernization, and wrote around 100 books. At pixel time, an image of Fukuzawa is included on 10,000-yen Japanese bank notes.
Western Ways of Living, Food, Clothes and House was published the year before Japan’s Meiji Era (1868-1912) officially began. This period saw Japan come out of its period of isolation that had lasted more than 250 years, and begin to make significant contact with the West. Fukuzawa played an important and influential role in these changes.
A digital copy of Fukazawa’s illustrated book, which was woodblock printed rather than typeset, can be accessed here at Keio University library.
Japan’s first book on Western etiquette, lifestyles and hospitality was published in 1867
[UPDATED: 11-10-2026]
© Red Circle Authors Limited
Japan’s first book on Western etiquette, lifestyles and hospitality was published in 1867
Posted by
