In November of 1878, a three-masted schooner named the James Bentley set sail from Buffalo with a hold full of grain destined for Chicago. Built in 1897, it was a 54-meter-long wooden ship bearing ...

Until the late 19th century, Hokuriku was the hub for a vital trading route plied by sailing ships known as kitamaebune. While carrying cargo from Hokkaido all the way to Osaka, these vessels also ...