Built as an iron lighthouse-patrol boat under yard No. 338 by R.Napier at Govan for the Japanese Government.
March 1873 ordered.
26 September 1874 launched under the name MEIJI MARU, Meiji comes from the favourite proverb of the Japanese Emperor Mutsuhito (1867-1912) and means enlightened government.
Tonnage 1.038 grt, 457 nrt, dim. 76.0 x 8.50 x 7.60m, length bpp. 73.00m
Powered by a 4-cyl. compound steam engine, 280 hp.
Rigged as a topsail schooner.
1874 Completed.
She was built along the lines of a sailing vessel, and the contract stated that the vessel after completing had to be delivered at Yokohama via the Suez Canal. The yard had to engage the crew for the delivery voyage.
After arrival she was managed by the Japanese Lighthouse Service.
One cabin on the ship was special made for the sole use of the Emperor and was magnificently decorated.
Emperor Mutsuhito made two voyages on her, in which he visited several ports in Japan.
1897 Ownership was transferred to the Tokyo Nautical School, for use as a stationair training vessel at Tokyo, she was before complete refitted and re-rigged as a full rigged ship by Shomei Shipbuilding Company in Shinagawa.
Around 1920 was she severe damaged during a heavy storm in Tokyo.
1927 Her steam-engine and boilers removed.
During World War II was she severe damaged in a dry-dock at Tokyo.
September 1945 after the American Forces occupied Japan, use as a canteen for the troops of the American Military Headquarters...
1951 Handed back to the Nautical School in Tokyo.
March 1964 moved to the campus of the Tokyo University of Mercantile Marine, to be preserved as a memorial.
After a lengthy repair and restoration period was she on 29 January 1988 completed. She lays in a dry-berth, and till the day of today in use as a museum ship.
Japan 1965 10y sg 1006, scott 846.
Source: Sail Training and Cadet Ships by Underhill. De Laatste Grote Zeilschepen by Schauffelen. Some web-sites.