Leiden has meant a lot to Japan

Leiden University turns 450 on February 8. I am preparing a city walk for the occasion and came across a Leiden student who is depicted on a Japanese postage stamp. That is truly something very special. If you would like to know more about this, please read on. Book about two Japanese students in Leiden The book 'In the Footsteps of Nishi and Tsuda' was recently published. This book is about two Japanese students who came to Leiden and attended private lectures from 1863 to 1865 with Leiden professor Simon Vissering of Leiden University. They were the first Japanese students to study at a European university to acquire 'modern knowledge'. And in this book, to my great surprise, I came across a stamp featuring one of these students, namely Nishi. He is regarded in Japan as a prominent cultural leader. According to the book, he introduced new words into the Japanese language, such as the concept of 'philosophy'. And that deserves a stamp. Nishi and Tsuda attended the lectures at the professor's home at Rapenburg 12 in Leiden. A memorial stone regarding this has been placed on this house, bearing their names and Japanese birthplace.

Why did these young Japanese choose Leiden? The Netherlands was well-regarded in Japan. In the 17th century, the Netherlands was the only European country permitted to trade with Japan. This took place via the Japanese island of Decima, where the Netherlands maintained a trading post. On April 19, 2000, Japan issued a first-day cover commemorating the 400th anniversary of trade relations between Japan and the Netherlands (1600–2000). The (artificial) island of Decima is also depicted on the left side of the envelope.

From Siebold The physician at the Decima trading post from 1823 to 1829 was Philipp von Siebold (1796–1866), sent there by the Netherlands. He also taught Western medicine to the Japanese there. Even today, almost every Japanese person knows the name 'Von Siebold', who settled in Leiden after leaving Japan. The Japan Museum was later established in his home on the Rapenburg (the Siebold House).

Nishi and Tsuda became members of the Leiden Freemasons The professor from whom Nishi and Tsuda received lectures, Simon Vissering, was a member of the Leiden Masonic lodge 'La Vertu'. He introduced the two Japanese students there, and they were also initiated (in secret) in 1864. This made them the first Japanese Freemasons, as the establishment of Freemasonry in Japan did not take place until 1957. The Masonic lodge La Vertu in Leiden was founded as early as 1757. It is therefore one of the oldest lodges in the Netherlands. To commemorate their 250th anniversary, a first-day cover was issued in 2007. This was done by the Masonic Philatelic Study Group 'De Getande Rand', which focuses on the collecting field of Freemasonry. The back of the envelope states that the print run consists of 120 numbered copies. I have number 38 of these.

Still (university) correspondence Leiden – Japan I received the envelope below from a relative who worked at Leiden University. She mentioned that a letter had been sent from Leiden University to a professor in Japan, requesting a reply. An envelope with a reply number was enclosed. At the top right of this envelope it says: 'No stamp needed'. The Japanese professor probably could not read Dutch, because he affixed a Japanese postage strip to it.

Should you be interested in the book 'In de voetstappen van Nishi en Tsuda' (Two Japanese and Lodge La Vertu), it was written by Jan Rezelman and published by Ginkgo Leiden. You can order the book there for 15 euros via the email address: uitgeverijginkgo@xs4all