Instructions during Sakamoto Ryoma's Training (from his Father Yahei)

When Ryôma, his father’s youngest child, was about to depart for training in Chiba, his father Yahei handed him these instructions for use during his studies. The document is dated to an auspicious day of the third month of 1853 (Kaei 6). Ryôma was nineteen at the time. He took great care to preserve these instructions from his aged father, and so they have come down to us today. In addition to studying with the Hokushin Ittô School of swordsmanship, Ryôma expanded his circle of friends and acquaintances in Edo. He also experienced the arrival of Commodore Perry’s ships at Uraga Bay. It is said that the basis of his activities that were to have future historical significance was established in Edo.

— Museum description: Kyoto National Museum (CC BY 4.0), via ColBase / Japan Search.