Dear Sir,

I feel it as great pleasure to have this opportunity of writing to you, and advise you that I have taken liberty of giving a letter of introduction to you, to His Ex. Ichizo Hattori, Member of our House of Peers and ex-Governor of this Prefecture. He is a great lover of fine arts and a great collector of the Japanese paintings and prints, very well known in his country. He is shortly leaving for Brussels to attend the International Convention of Commerce, and he may visit your country before his return to the Far East. If he happens to call on you, I beg you kindly to extend to him your esteemed assistance and courtesies.

I have been kept exceptionally busy since my return to office, after such a long absence, and in addition, two of my co-Directors have been away from office, on account of il-health. I had to give up my original intention to return to Europe at the end of this month ; but am looking forward for the day of our next meeting in Europe.

I presume you are always very well and prosperous, and I beg to ask you how you are progressing with the Rodin bronzes and how much and how far those French famous artists are accepting my requests through your good-self.

With my kindest regards to you for the meanwhile,

I remain, dear Sir,

Yours faithfully,

Kojiro Matsukata