TALES OF OLD JAPAN

by

LORD REDESDALE, G.C.V.O., K.C.B.
Formerly Second Secretary to the British Legation in Japan

With Illustrations Drawn and Cut on Wood by Japanese Artists

1910






[Illustration: THE RÔNINS INVITE KÔTSUKÉ NO SUKÉ TO PERFORM
HARA-KIRI.]




PREFACE

In the Introduction to the story of the Forty-seven Rônins, I have
said almost as much as is needful by way of preface to my stories.

Those of my readers who are most capable of pointing out the many
shortcomings and faults of my work, will also be the most indulgent
towards me; for any one who has been in Japan, and studied Japanese,