Japan's first elephant's incredible journeys

Earlier this month I introduced Elephant Memorial Day, which contrary to what the name suggests, is a more a day for those involved in the questionable ivory trade. Thankfully, there is another "Elephant Day" which honors elephants in the right way.

Today, and April 28th annually, is Elephant Day 象の日 in Japan. It commemorates the arrival of the very first elephant to Tokyo (Edo as it was at the time), from Vietnam, in 1729. After what must have been quite the journey the previous year, from Vietnam to Nagasaki, the surviving male elephant spent the winter there before beginning an astonishing 1480-kilometer journey toward Edo. Walking for 74 days, this immense creature drew crowds wherever it passed. Its size and presence was unlike anything people of the time had ever seen.

The highlight of the journey for many was when the elephant was presented before Emperor Nakamikado in Kyoto. Because court protocol required an official rank, the elephant was granted a title equivalent to that of a castle-holding daimyo. When it finally arrived in Edo, the elephant captivated Shogun Tokugawa Yoshimune and sparked books, illustrations and a full elephant boom in the city.