1938 Italian Fascist Delegation to Korea: Dinner with Yi Un, Kisaeng Performances, Japanese-Style Shaved Heads, Soviet Flag Incident

This is the third part of the news coverage about a 22-member Italian Fascist delegation which visited Korea in 1938 from the afternoon of April 23 until the evening of April 24. They had just spent roughly 40 days traveling throughout mainland Japan before continuing through colonial Korea.

Despite spending only about 36 hours in Korea, the delegation received extraordinarily lavish newspaper coverage, with pages upon pages devoted to virtually every aspect of the visit. The reporting ranges far beyond official speeches and diplomatic ceremonies. It documents exchanges involving sports, cinema, food, music, Catholicism, martial arts, military affairs, and youth organizations. There were also numerous encounters with schoolchildren and ordinary people.

The delegation was headed by Marquis Giacomo Paulucci di Calboli Barone, an Italian diplomat whom Mussolini had appointed president of the Istituto Luce, the state-controlled film and newsreel organization that played a major role in Fascist propaganda.

On this page of the newspaper, we follow Paulucci and his men as they attend an evening banquet and nighttime cherry-blossom viewing with the Korean royal couple, then Governor-General Minami, Army Commander Koiso (who would later become Governor-General of Korea), and Viscount Min Byeong-seok.

Paulucci's delegation then moved on to a second banquet with the business representatives of colonial Korea, including the heads of several major banks, among them two ethnic Koreans. One of them headed Chōsen Commercial Bank, which would later evolve into present-day Woori Bank. This business banquet was more informal, and the guests were entertained by kisaeng, or Korean female entertainers who sing, dance, play musical instruments and write poems to entertain upper-class men. In earlier times, their work did not necessarily always involve sexual service, but during Japanese colonial rule of Korea, they were more closely associated with sex work. By the 1940s, the vast majority were involved in prostitution.

Two of the kisaeng seated beside Paulucci are actually identified by name: Do Wol-seon (identified as Paulucci's favorite one) and Choe Geum-ran.

This particular newspaper page does not include a photo of the inside of the restaurant during the business banquet. However, when a Nazi German newspaper delegation was entertained at the same restaurant the following year, in 1939, the newspaper did publish a photo showing a similar banquet setup. The guests appear packed closely together around a long table, with kisaeng standing immediately behind them and attending to the gathering. 

We also learn that one of the delegates, Umberto Marconi actually visited Korea several times before, the first time in 1914, just four years after Korea's annexation into Imperial Japan, and the last time four years earlier in 1934.

The delegation also attended a children's festival featuring a Korean child violin prodigy and an Ainu girl performing dances to Japanese theatrical and military pieces. There was a spring photo event featuring ethnic Korean female models at one venue and ethnic Japanese female models at another. 

We also learn that the Italian delegation was triggered by seeing the Soviet flag flying between the Italian and Japanese flags at Busan harbor. If that was deliberately placed instead of being an accident, it would arguably count as a pretty memorable trolling incident.

[Translation]

Gyeongseong Ilbo, Keijo Nippo, April 24, 1938 — Page 15

A First Day That Solidified the Pledge Between Allies
The Entire City Showers the Tireless Delegation with Welcomes
Cheerful Exchanges in the Refreshing Spring Breeze

Welcomed by a storm of cheers, the Fascist mission led by Marquis Paulucci spent a hectic day amid the spring sunshine, receiving the welcome of all Seoul. The party visited Chōsen Shrine, paid a call at Changdeok Palace, visited the Government-General Building, and visited the Army Commander, passing through the day’s crowded schedule amid continual excitement.

They scarcely had time to settle into their “flower-filled lodging,” the Chōsen Hotel, before setting out again at 6:30 that evening to attend a dinner of fellowship hosted by Governor-General Minami and his wife.

Delegation leader Marquis Paulucci wore a red-and-white grand sash across the shoulder of his black uniform, while upon his chest glittered the highest decorations of the Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus and the Order of the Crown of Italy. Having picked up the Japanese word “Arigatō” during more than a month of travel through mainland Japan, he exchanged greetings cheerfully, accompanied by expansive gestures.

Every member of the delegation appeared in full black-shirt dress, the decorations glittering across their chests testifying to their distinguished records as members of the Fascist Party. Their hosts and accompanying guests were likewise formally dressed in tailcoats. The blood alliance between Japan and Italy blossomed amid cordiality and burst repeatedly into laughter.

Next came an invitation from the Office of the Yi Royal Household to view the cherry blossoms at night in Changgyeongwon, where the visitors repeatedly exclaimed: “Bella!”

At a banquet hosted by representatives of the business community at Meigetsukan, the southern European allies became entranced by the graceful dances of the kisaeng, through which they seemed to glimpse the distant past of the Orient.

Along the routes taken by the delegation, magnificent lantern processions transformed the capital into a sea of light.

Amid cries of “Viva l’Italia!”, the visitors finally returned to their hotel at 11:20 that night.

After their brilliant first night in Korea, they awoke on the morning of April 24th to clear skies, refreshing breezes, and the brilliant green of new foliage.

Photo captions: Above is the banquet given by His Highness Prince Yi Un at Changgyeongwon; below is Marquis Paulucci's delegation surrounded by a procession of lanterns gathered in front of the newspaper's office

Today’s Schedule

After an emotional first night in Korea amid the welcome of the entire peninsula, the Fascist delegation will greet the clear morning of April 24th with the following itinerary:

At 9:00 a.m., dressed in Party uniforms, they will attend worship at the Catholic church in Myeong-dong, Myeongdong Cathedral, to pray for the success of their great mission and journey.

Under the guidance of Archbishop Larribeau, they will offer solemn prayers.

They will then visit the Commercial and Industrial Promotion Hall and the Government-General Museum to study and investigate conditions in Korea, returning at 11:25 a.m. to their lodging at the Chōsen Hotel for a short rest.

At 12:20 p.m. they will attend a great outdoor welcoming banquet for government officials and civilians, hosted by the mayor of Seoul at Gyeonghoeru Pavilion inside Gyeongbok Palace.

At 2:10 p.m., at Seoul Municipal Ground, they will witness 40,000 elementary and secondary-school students of the city perform Imperial Subject Gymnastics and a mass display to the Patriotic March, allowing them to take in the brilliant spectacle of rapidly advancing Korea.

Then, overflowing with emotion, the delegation will depart Seoul Station at 4:15 p.m., bidding “Sayonara, Seoul,” and set out on the road to neighboring Manchukuo.

Friendship Beneath the Cherry Blossoms
His Highness Prince Yi Un Hosts a Banquet at Changgyeongwon

At 8:30 on the evening of April 23rd, delegation leader Marquis Paulucci and the other members of the Japanese-Italian goodwill mission attended a banquet given by His Highness Prince Yi Un.

The tables had been set out in the plaza before the old museum in Changgyeongwon, as cherry blossoms fluttered down all around.

At the main table sat Their Highnesses Prince Yi Un and Princess Yi Bangja, followed by the guest of honor Marquis Paulucci and the other members of his party; Governor-General Minami and his wife; Army Commander Koiso and his wife; Viscount Min Byeong-seok (민병석, 閔丙奭) and his wife; and more than one hundred other prominent guests.

Governor-General Minami asked Paulucci to convey a message to Mussolini:

“True to the Fascist watchword of never tiring and never growing weary, your party has spent more than a month traveling without a moment’s rest. One would expect you to be exhausted, yet you remain completely energetic. I believe this is entirely due to Prime Minister Mussolini’s guiding spirit of tirelessness and perseverance, and for this I express my respect. Napoleon erased the word ‘impossible’ from the dictionary. I am convinced that from Mussolini’s dictionary the word ‘tired’ ought likewise to be erased. Please convey this to Prime Minister Mussolini as a message from Minami, Governor-General of Korea.”

Paulucci replied:

“As Your Excellency has said, the Japanese spirit and the Italian spirit are one and the same. The union of these two peoples is a cause for the greatest celebration. When I return, I shall immediately convey Your Excellency’s gracious words. I believe Prime Minister Mussolini will be greatly pleased.”

Beneath the cherry blossoms, made still more brilliant by the presence of the delegation, the banquet proceeded in a warm and congenial atmosphere until 9:40. The party then immediately departed for the business community’s banquet at Meigetsukan.

Banquet Hosted by the Business Community
Another Reception at Meigetsukan

The banquet for the Italian goodwill delegation sponsored by the Seoul business community began at 9:30 on the evening of April 23rd in the great hall of Meigetsukan.

On the guest side were Marquis Paulucci and the members of the delegation.

Among the hosts were Matsubara Yoshikazu, Governor of the Bank of Chōsen; Hayashi Shigezō, president of the Chōsen Industrial Bank; President Park Yeong-cheol (박영철, 朴榮喆) of Chōsen Commercial Bank; Kada, president of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Han Sang-ryong (한상룡, 韓相龍), president of Chōsen Life Insurance; Mayor Saeki; and others.

When more than fifty kisaeng entered the room, each carrying a sake cup in her hand, the hall was instantly transformed into a flower garden.

Everywhere could be heard repeated cries of:“Arigatō!”

In one corner, a kisaeng soon began singing the Patriotic March, “Behold, the eastern sky grows light,” and members of the delegation joined in with a chorus of: “La-la-la-la!”

Seated on either side of Marquis Paulucci were the kisaeng Do Wol-seon (도월선, 都月仙) and Choe Geum-ran (최금란, 崔錦蘭). The Marquis seemed particularly taken with Miss Do Wol-seon and continually whispered to her.

After an address by Foreign Affairs Department chief Matsuzawa and a reply by Marquis Paulucci, a monk’s dance (seungmu) and a sword dance (geommu) were performed on the stage.

The entire gathering applauded: “Encore! Encore!” And so the spring evening passed in brilliant festivity.

Paulucci Praises the Greening of the Peninsula
Dr. Marconi Reminisces About His Earlier Visits to Korea

Seated comfortably in the observation car of what was described as the most luxurious train ever operated by the Korea Railway, Fascist delegation leader Marquis Paulucci was in exceedingly high spirits.

“Last night I slept only two hours,” he said, giving his impressions with obvious sincerity. “But once I set foot upon this beautiful peninsula and boarded such a splendid train, all my sleepiness disappeared somewhere. As you can see, I am full of energy.”

Because the Marquis also serves as head of an Italian forestry association, he offered the highest praise for Korea’s reforestation efforts as he gazed upon the greenery lining the railway.

“This green landscape could certainly not have been created in merely one or two years. It must be the result of many years of excellent policies by the Governor-General and tremendous administrative efforts by the local authorities.”

At this point Dr. Umberto Marconi, representative of the Fascist federation of industrialists and the one member of the delegation with especially deep familiarity with Korea, broke into the conversation.

“I first came to Korea twenty-four years ago,” he said.

“Since then I have visited several times. My most recent visit was four years ago.

“On my visit twenty-four years ago, I landed at Chongjin and had an extremely difficult journey onward by ox cart and on foot. Now you have splendid railways.”

The doctor spoke with such endless nostalgia that one might almost have taken him for someone who lived on the Korean peninsula.

“Just look at this railway line! It has become splendid. And what do you think of a magnificent train like this?” He spoke while tapping the reporter on the shoulder.

“Long Live Italy!” at Seoul Station
A Gentleman Remembers an Earlier Bond of Friendship Between the Allied Nations

There was a moving little story at Seoul Station, where the guests from southern Europe, the emissaries of the sacred alliance, were received.

Overcome by the passionate, pro-Japanese gestures of the Italian visitors, one gentleman trembled with excitement and shouted “Viva l’Italia!”, remembering a fateful connection from years past that had helped forge a bond of Japanese-Italian friendship.

The man was Uno Tetsuji, now something of a “living encyclopedia” at the Standard Oil Company in Takezoe-chō (present-day Chungjeong-no), Seoul.

The story of his connection with Italy goes back to the Russo-Japanese War of 1904.

As reports arrived of successive fierce battles and Japanese victories, the Russian Baltic Fleet set sail in force, and Japan’s own strategic preparations became increasingly tense.

At just that time, Japan and Russia both learned that Italy was constructing two cruisers ordered by Argentina. Both countries coveted the vessels and began behind-the-scenes efforts to purchase them.

Japan’s minister in France at the time, Sone Arasuke, traveled alone to Italy and, thanks to Italy’s boundless friendship, ultimately succeeded in purchasing the ships.

They were named Kasuga and Nisshin and preparations began to sail them to Japan.

Unfortunately, difficulties arose over how to bring the vessels home.

While various plans were being considered, Italian naval reservists offered themselves in devoted service, declaring that they would “lend Japan a hand.”

A crew of one hundred men was recruited to sail the two ships.

They hurried as far as Singapore, and from there, in order to pass through the combat zone, loaded coal even onto the decks and raced at full speed directly to Yokohama.

When the two vessels arrived, all Japan was deeply moved.

The nation offered boundless thanks for Italy’s friendship, and Tokyo Mayor Ozaki Yukio held a grand reception for the visitors.

At the time, Uno was a student in the Italian-language department of the School of Foreign Languages.

The mayor called upon him to serve as an Italian-language guide.

From Shimbashi Station he accompanied the Italians around Tokyo and also took them to the Ryōgoku Kokugikan to see Japan’s national sport, sumo.

At that time Hitachiyama and Umegatani were Yokozuna, and their fiercely contested bouts delighted the Italian visitors beyond measure.

Having served as a guide during that earlier exchange of friendship, Uno now saw the “Italy of his dreams” brought to life before his very eyes.

He came to greet the delegation with tears of emotion glistening in his eyes.

The cruisers Kasuga and Nisshin, incidentally, were equipped with high-angle guns and later distinguished themselves in the attack on Port Arthur, leaving behind a brilliant achievement in the history of Japanese-Italian friendship.

[Photograph: Mr. Uno]

A Close-Cropped Head as a Souvenir for the Folks Back Home
Dr. Rivetta, the Fluent Japanese Speaker, Joins In

During more than a month of inspection and travel, the members of the Italian mission to Japan thoroughly filled their heads with knowledge not only of Japanese politics, economics, and culture, but even of the everyday lives and sentiments of the people. Then they arrived in Seoul to inspect Korea.

As though deciding that nothing could make a better souvenir to take home, no fewer than three members of the delegation arrived with their heads close-cropped in the Japanese style.

The first was Edoardo Rossi, deputy leader of the delegation and commander of the Italian youth organization, who had his hair completely cut off in Kobe.

Next came Dr. Pietro Silvio Rivetta, representative of the professions and arts, and Mr. Mariano, a secretary.

As they finally bade farewell to Japan proper at Shimonoseki, the two likewise bade farewell to their long hair.

And they were extremely thorough about it: not satisfied merely with electric clippers, they had their heads shaved clean with razors.

On the train crossing the peninsula, Dr. Rivetta stroked his newly shaved head and declared with great satisfaction:

“This is what it means truly to absorb the spirit!”

Their commemorative Japanese haircuts provided another cheerful topic of conversation.

[Inset reproduction: an autograph given to this newspaper’s reporter aboard the Seoul–Busan Line by Dr. Rivetta, who speaks Japanese with great skill.]

Today: Keijō Nippō Children’s Festival
Welcoming the Italian Delegation
A Splendid Program at Seoul Citizens’ Hall, Beginning at Noon

The springtime peninsula is more excited than ever as it welcomes Marquis Paulucci and the goodwill mission from Italy, our allied nation in the struggle against Communism, who have journeyed here across the sea.

The familiar Keijō Nippō Children’s Association will therefore hold a special Children’s Festival today, Sunday April 24th, beginning at noon at Seoul Citizens Hall, to welcome the Italian delegation.

The program will be a splendid one incorporating the theme of Japanese-Italian friendship.

Negotiations are currently underway for Edoardo Rossi, representative of the Fascist Party and commander of the Italian “Littorio” youth organization, who is traveling with the delegation, to address all the children.

First, Professor Fukutomi Ichirō of the preparatory department of Keijō Imperial University will give an entertaining talk explaining why Italy and Japan became friendly nations and telling the audience about Italian children.

This will be followed by choral singing by the children of the First Elementary School attached to Seoul Normal School.

Next will come new Japanese music accompanied by dancing, performed by the lovely young girls of the familiar Takita troupe; stirring shigin poetry recitation and sword dancing by the Seigin-kai; and choral singing by the children of the Second Elementary School attached to Seoul Normal School.

Then, for the first time, we will introduce to everyone Yi Sang-ho (이상호, 李相鎬), a third-year pupil at the Second Elementary School of Seoul Normal School and a young violin prodigy.

He will perform the Patriotic March, Hungarian Dance, and other pieces.

Another attraction sure to delight everyone is Eriko Monbetsu, an Ainu girl whom many readers may already know. She will perform dances so splendid that even adults will be astonished.

The five numbers on her program are the nagauta “Fuji Musume,” the military song “Roei no Uta,” “The Traveling Puppeteer,” “Masanari,” and “Konkon-kyō.”

Finally, there will be plenty of motion pictures, which everyone loves:

1. Keijō Nippō World Sound News - several reels;

2. Paramount News - one reel

3. National Defense Japan (sponsored by Towa Trading) - one reel

4. The Struggle for Survival Among Animals (sponsored by Towa Trading) - one reel

5. The Olympic Bells Are Calling - three reels

6. Metro color cartoons: Bosko and the Pirates and The Skunk’s Lament

Express Topics

☆ — Busan Harbor, welcoming the Italian delegation, was completely decorated with waves of bouquets and the flags of nations. Yet on this day when Korea welcomed an allied nation of the Anti-Comintern camp, there was, ironically, one red Soviet flag fluttering above the delegation’s heads.

☆ — Among the tens of thousands in the crowd, no one seemed to notice the red flag waving between the Hinomaru flag and the Italian flag.

☆ — One member of the delegation finally spotted it and indignantly exclaimed: “On a day of Japanese-Italian friendship, what sort of nonsense is this?”

☆ — Hearing this, Marquis Paulucci merely smiled and said: “That red flag hanging between our flag and the Hinomaru flag is symbolic. Squeezed from both sides, sooner or later it will be crushed flat.”

All Seoul’s Cameras Mobilized
Spring Photography Outing Today
The All-Korean Photography Federation will hold its spring photography outing today

First venue: Deoksu Palace, beginning at 9:00 a.m.
Numerous Korean beauties will appear as models.

Second venue: Changgyeongwon, beginning at 1:00 p.m.
The models will be women from mainland Japan.

Notice: Tripods may not be used at either location.

Sponsored by the All-Korean Photography Federation

[Transcription]

京城日報 1938年4月24日
盟友の誓い固き第一日
疲れを知らぬ使節に全市挙げて歓迎攻め
薫風爽やかに明朗の交歓

嵐の歓呼に迎えられたファシスト使節パウルッチ侯以下聖なる団員一行は全京城をあげての歓迎に朝鮮神宮参拝、昌徳宮伺候総督訪問、軍司令官訪問と春光を浴びて慌しい昼間の日程を感激の裡に送り”花の宿”朝鮮ホテルに落ち着く暇もなく同夜六時半、南総督夫妻招待の交歓晩餐会に出席。パウルッチ団長は黒服の肩から紅白の大綬章をかけ、胸には燦然たる『聖パウリッオ・エ・ラサーロ』『コローヌ・デ・イタリア』の最高勲章を飾り、すっかり内地月余の旅で覚えた『アリガト』の日本語に大袈裟なゼスチュアも明朗に交歓。

使節全員は何れも黒シャツの胸間にはファシスト党員としての華々しい党歴を物語る勲章をきらびやに輝かしての晴姿、賓客を迎える接待倍賓何れも燕尾服の盛装に日伊の血盟華と咲き爆笑に散る。次いで李王職招待の昌慶苑の夜桜見物に『ベラ！』の連呼。実業団代表の招待宴は明月館で優雅な妓生の舞に遠き東洋の昔の姿を辿り南欧の盟友たちは陶然、一行を歓迎する沿道は壮麗な提灯行列で首都は火の海と化してヴィヴァリターリアの歓声にむせびつつホテルに入ったのは同夜十一時二十分。輝かしい入鮮第一夜の夢を結び新緑映える薫風に二十四日晴朗の朝を迎えた。

写真説明：上は昌慶苑における李王殿下の御招宴；下は本社前において提灯行列の群に包囲されたパ侯一行

今日の日程

半島をあげての歓迎に感激の入鮮第一夜を送ったファシスト使節団一行は晴朗に明けた二十四日午前九時党服に身を固め使節の大命と壮途を祝福するため明治町天主教会に礼拝。ラリボー大僧正司祭の下に聖なる祈祷を行い、商工奨励館、本府博物館に朝鮮の事情を研究調査して同十一時二十五分一旦宿舎朝鮮ホテルに帰って休憩。午後零時二十分景福宮内慶会楼で開かれる京城府尹主催の官民合同の大歓迎野宴に臨み、次いで午後二時十分京城グラウンドで府内初中等学生四万人が贈る皇国臣民体操と愛国行進曲マスゲームに躍進朝鮮の輝かしい姿を満喫。感激あふるる裡を同四時十五分京城駅発列車で『サヨナラ京城』と感懐をこめて一路善隣満州国への旅にのぼる。

桜花に映える親善
李王殿下、昌慶苑に御招宴

二十三日夜八時三十分日伊親善使節団パウリッチ団長以下一行は李王殿下の御招宴に臨んだ。昌慶宴旧博物館前、桜花紛々と落ちる広場に宴席は設けられた。メインテーブルには李王、同妃両殿下御臨席の後、主賓パウリッチ侯一行、南総督、同夫人、小磯軍司令官、同夫人、閔子爵、同夫人ほか名士百余名着席。南総督はパ団長にムッソリーニに伝えてくれと伝言を頼んだ。

『ファシストの綱領とする倦まず飽かずの言葉通り一行は月余の寸暇なき旅行で、さぞお疲れであろうにも拘らず疲れても居ず元気であらせらるのは、専らム首相の倦まず飽かずの指導精神に基くものと思い敬意を表する。ナポレオンはイムポシブルの言葉を辞書から抹消したが、ムッソリーニの辞書からは疲れるの言葉を抹消してしかるべきだと確信する。これをどうか朝鮮総督南の伝言としてム首相に伝えて貰いたい』

これに対してパ団長は
『総督閣下が言われる通り日本精神とイタリー精神とは同一である。この両国民が結合したことは慶賀に堪えない。閣下の懇篤なる言葉は帰れば直ぐお伝えいたしましょう。ム首相も喜ばれることと思います』
使節団を迎えて一層映える桜花の下で和気藹々裡に同九時四十分宴会を終り一行は直ちに明月館の実業招宴に臨んだ。

実業団の招宴
更に明月館で

京城実業団主催イタリー親善使節団招宴は二十三日夜九時三十分から明月館大ホールで開かれた。客側パ侯一行、主催側松原鮮銀総裁林殖銀頭取、朴商銀頭取、賀田商工会議所会頭、韓朝鮮生命社長、佐伯府尹等出席、妓生五十余名が手に手に盃を携えて部屋に現われると席は一ぺんにお花畠と化する。あっちこっちで『アリガト』の連発向うの隅では早くも妓生が『見よ東海の空明けて』と愛国行進曲を歌えば、団員は『ララララ』で合唱をする。

団長パ侯の両隣には都月仙、崔錦蘭の両妓が侍っているが、団長は都君が好きらしく、しきりに彼女とばかり囁く。松沢外務部長の挨拶、パ団長の答辞があって、ステージに僧舞、剣舞を演ずれば、一同はアンコール、アンコールの拍手、かくて春宵は華やかに更けた。

半島の緑化を讃嘆のパ団長
数回の来鮮を追懐するマ博士

鮮鉄未曾有の豪華列車の展望車に納まったファシスト代表パウリッチ団長頗る快活に『昨夜は二時間しか眠らなかったが、この麗わしの半島の地を踏んでこんな立派な列車に乗っては眠けも何処かへ消え去ってこの通り元気一杯です』と真心からの感想を語る。侯は伊太利林業組合長を兼ねている関係上、半島の植林事業には沿線の緑を眺めて最大級の讃辞を贈る。

『この緑の景色は決して一、二年で出来上ったものとは思われない。総督の色々な立派な施政と地方当局の行政上の非常な力が多年に用いられた結果と思う』と語る間に一行中唯一人朝鮮には特に馴染深いファシスト工業家聯合代表ウンベルト・マルコーニ博士が割り込んだ。

『私は二十四年前に朝鮮に来ました。それから数回当地を訪れ、最近では四年前に来たことがあります。二十四年前訪問の際は清津に上陸して、春まで牛車や徒歩で苦心惨憺して辿りついたものです。今では立派な鉄道があるでしょうね』と語る博士はもう半島に住む者のような懐しみを伝えて限りがない。『この沿線を見ても立派になったものですね。殊にこんな立派な列車はどうですか』と記者の肩を叩いて語るのだった。

京城駅頭に感激の伊国万歳
盟邦の友情偲ぶ紳士

聖盟の使節南欧イタリーの賓客を迎えた京城駅頭に情熱的な親日の一行のゼスチュアに感激と昂奮に慄え胸に秘めた過ぎし日伊親善の楔となった宿縁の一紳士がヴィヴァ・リタリアを絶叫した佳話がある。話頭の主人公は、いま京城竹添スタンダード石油会社の生字引宇野哲司さんで宿縁の話題は遠く過ぎし日の明治三十七年日露役に始まる。

激戦相次ぎ日本軍勝利の報到るうちにもバルチック艦隊舳艫相銜んで進発。わが方の作戦また緊張する時、恰も伊国はアルゼンチン国から二隻の巡洋艦建造を依頼されていることを日露両国が探知。何れも食指を動かしてこれを買収の潜行運動を開始。当時わが駐仏の曾禰荒助公使が単身伊国に乗り込み伊国の限りなき友情によって遂に買収に成功。日進、春日と命名愈よわが国へ回航することとなったが、不幸回航する方法に窮し、種々対策を練っていた折、伊国予備海軍水兵の献身的犠牲により『日本のために一肌脱ごう』と言うこととなり両艦回航の乗組員百名を募集。大急航でシンガポールまで着港。更にここから戦闘圏内を潜るため甲板にまで一杯石炭を積んで猛スピードで横浜まで直航。両艦入港に日本全国は挙げて感激。伊国の友情に万斛の謝意を捧げ当時の東京市長尾崎咢堂氏は盛大な一行の歓迎宴を催した。

この時、外国語学校伊太利語科の学生だった宇野氏は市長に招ぜられ伊太利語の案内役をつとめ新橋ステーションから東京市内を案内、両国国技館に国技の相撲も案内、当時は常陸山、梅ケ谷が横綱で血戦火を吐き一行を狂喜させた。こうした親善の案内役を勤めた宇野氏は”夢見る伊太利”をいま眼の前に描き出し感激の眼に涙をうるませて出迎えたのであった。なお春日、日進の両巡洋艦は高角砲を備え旅順攻撃に抜群の戦功をたて日伊親善の輝く偉功をのこしたものであった。（写真は宇野さん）

故国への土産に日本流の丸坊主
日本語の巧みなり博士も

イタリー訪日使節団一行は月余に亘る視察で日本に於る政治、経済、文化は勿論、一般民情まですっかり頭の中に詰め込んで朝鮮視察のため来城したが、これこそ故国へ一番の土産とばかり一行中の三名までが日本式に丸坊主となってやって来た。まず第一が副団長でイタリー少年団総司令ロッシ氏が神戸できれいさっぱりと切落し、その次は職業及技芸代表のリベッタ博士と書記のマリアノ氏で愈よ日本内地に別れを告げる下関で長髪に離別したが、この方は頗る徹底したものでバリカンでは飽き足らず剃刀で剃りあげた。半島縦貫の列車の中でリベッタ博士はその頭を撫でながら『これこそ精神の体得である』と大満悦の態で訪日記念の断髪で朗らかに話題を賑わしている（凸版は日本語の巧みなりリベッタ博士が京釜線車中で本社記者にサインしてくれたもの）

きょう：京日子供会
伊太利使節の歓迎に
正午府民館に展く豪華プロ

海を越えてはるばる訪れた防共の盟邦イタリーの親善使節パウリッチ侯一行を迎えて半島の春はいやがうえに歓びにわき立っているとき、おなじみの京日コドモ会では、きょう二十四日日曜正午から京城府民館でイタリー使節歓迎の京日コドモ大会を開くこととなりました。プログラムは日伊親善を織込んだ次のようなすばらしいものです。

なお同会には使節団一行中の伊国『リクトアル』少年団総司令（ファシスト）党代表エドアルド・ロッシが皆さんに御挨拶があるはずで目下交渉中です。

まず城大予科の福富一郎先生がイタリーと日本はなぜお友だちの国となったかということや、イタリーの子供について面白いお話をして下さいます。続いて京城師範学校附属第一小学校のお友だちの斉唱、次におなじみの田北社中の美しいお嬢ちゃんたちの新日本音楽（踊りつき）清吟会の勇ましい詩吟、剣舞、京師第二小学校のお友だちの斉唱があって、今度はじめて皆さんに、京師第二小学校三年生のヴァイオリンの天才少年李相鎬君を御紹介申し上げます。同君は『愛国行進曲』『ハンガリアン・ダンス』などを弾きます。

次に皆さんに喜んでいただきたいのは、もう御存知の方も多いと思いますが、アイヌ娘の門別恵里子さんが大人もびっくりするようなすばらしい踊をおどります。番組は長唄『藤娘』軍歌『露営歌』『旅の人形師』『正行』『こんこん狂』の五つです。最後に皆さんの大すきな映画をどっさり御覧に入れます映画は

【１】京日世界発声ニュース数巻
【２】パラマウント・ニュース一巻
【３】『国防日本』（東和商事提供）一巻
【４】『動物の生存闘争』（同）一巻
【５】『オリムピックの鐘は呼ぶ』（同）三巻
【６】メトロ極彩色漫画【イ】ボスコと海賊【ロ】スカンクの嘆き二巻

話題特急
☆―イタリー使節団を迎えた釜山港は満港花束と万国旗の波で飾られた。防共の盟邦を迎えるこの日、皮肉にも使節団の頭上に赤色ロシアの国旗が一枚ひらめいていた。
☆―数万の群集は誰も日章旗と伊太利国旗との間にひらめくこの赤旗に気が付いた人はなかった。
☆―使節団員の一人がふとそれを見て『日伊親善のこの日こんなバカなことはない』と憤慨したが。
☆―これを聞いた団長パ侯ニコニコしながら『日の丸と我国旗との間にぶらさがった赤旗は両方から押されて早晩ペシャンコになる象徴だよ』

京城のカメラ総動員
きょう、春の撮影会
第一会場：德壽宮、午前九時からモデルは朝鮮美人多数出場いたします。
第二会場：昌慶苑、午後一時からモデルは内地美人です。
【注意】三脚は両会場共使用できません。
主催：全朝鮮写真聯盟

Source: Digital Newspaper Archive, National Library of Korea

See also:

• Part 1 of Fascist Italian Delegation Coverage (link)
• Part 2 of Fascist Italian Delegation Coverage (link)
• Coverage of Nazi German newspaper delegation in Korea, May 1939 (link)
• Coverage of Fascist Spain's delegation in Korea, July 1940 (link)

1938 Italian Fascist Delegation to Korea news coverage: Paulucci arrives in Seoul, Polyglot Pietro Silvio Rivetta translates, hotel chef prepares their meal, Yi Un and Yi Bangja visit wounded soldiers

This is the second part of the news coverage about a 22-member Italian Fascist delegation which visited Korea in 1938 from the afternoon of April 23 until the evening of April 24. They had just spent roughly 40 days traveling throughout Japan proper before continuing through colonial Korea.

Despite spending only about 36 hours in Korea, the delegation received extraordinarily lavish newspaper coverage, with pages upon pages devoted to virtually every aspect of the visit. The reporting ranges far beyond official speeches and diplomatic ceremonies. It documents exchanges involving sports, cinema, food, music, Catholicism, martial arts, military affairs, and youth organizations. There were also numerous encounters with schoolchildren and ordinary people.

The delegation was headed by Marquis Giacomo Paulucci di Calboli Barone, an Italian diplomat whom Mussolini had appointed president of the Istituto Luce, the state-controlled film and newsreel organization that played a major role in Fascist propaganda. In this photograph from the trip, Paulucci appears relaxed and smiling as he holds up his right arm in a Fascist salute. To Paulucci's right is Director of Political Affairs Ōno smiling as he holds his hat. The photo shows Paulucci's signature, which is a stylized rendering of "Paulucci di Calboli".

In this installment, we get to accompany Korean reporter Yi Won-yeong aboard the delegation’s special train as it travels north toward Seoul. His account is unusually lively and gives us a much more personal view of the visitors than the official ceremonies do. He jokes with the delegates, asks them about Korea and Japan, and records their reactions to the countryside, schoolchildren greeting the train, Korean grave mounds (bongbun, 봉분), and even the sea bream they are about to eat for lunch.

Fortunately for the delegation, there was at least one highly accomplished Japanese speaker among them: Pietro Silvio Rivetta (1886–1952), better known by his pen name Toddi. Rivetta was a polyglot writer reputed to know numerous languages, and the newspaper treats him as someone already familiar to Japanese readers. He appears to have played an important role as an interpreter and linguistic intermediary during the trip.

We also meet Chef Iwabuchi of the Chōsen Hotel, who was responsible for preparing food for the delegation. His interview offers an amusing glimpse behind the scenes of official hospitality. He claims that Italians generally prefer lighter cooking and are not especially fond of pork or eggs, and explains that because the visitors were being subjected to one elaborate banquet after another, he wanted to serve something simpler, essentially the culinary equivalent of giving an exhausted Japanese diner ochazuke and pickles after too many formal meals.

Printed alongside the delegation coverage is an article about Yi Un and Yi Bangja of the former Korean royal house visiting wounded and sick soldiers at Yongsan Army Hospital. At first this may seem unrelated, but the placement becomes more interesting later, when the royal couple themselves encounter the Italian delegation at an official banquet. Placing their activities alongside the visit of a major foreign Fascist delegation may have helped present them as lending legitimacy to Imperial Japan's Fascist foreign relations, while also directing some of the extraordinary attention surrounding the Italian visitors toward the Korean royal household.

At the bottom of this post, I am also including a contemporary list giving the names and official titles or affiliations of 16 members of the Italian Fascist delegation. I found it in the January 12, 1938 issue of the Italian newspaper L’Avvenire d’Italia. It has been especially useful for identifying people whose names were rendered phonetically in Japanese in the news articles and for clarifying what organizations and branches of the Fascist state they represented.

[Translation]

Gyeongseong Ilbo (Keijo Nippo), April 24, 1938

Full Coverage of Stories of Goodwill
The Fascist Train Charges Ahead
A “Black Spring” on a Korean Peninsula Roaring with Cheers

[Special dispatch by correspondent Yi Won-yeong (이원영, 李元栄) aboard the Italian Delegation’s special train]

The special train carrying Marquis Paulucci and his party races northward, ever northward, cutting through the morning mist.

Out of consideration for the exhaustion of their long journey, the Government-General had arranged that, for the first two or three hours after departure, we should refrain as much as possible from intruding upon the delegation’s compartments. Yet beginning with Marquis Paulucci himself, not one of them shows any intention of resting.

Instead, they press their eyes to the windows and repeatedly exclaim:

“Bello, bello!” — “Beautiful, beautiful!”

The mist clears. Brilliant morning sunlight pours down upon fields of green wheat.

“Bello!”

Professor Antonio Casulli of the University of Rome suddenly lets out such a loud cry that this reporter is startled.

“Is the scenery outside really that beautiful?” I ask.

As though overcome with emotion, he throws both arms dramatically wide.

“It is exactly like my homeland! It is the very landscape of Sardinia. Look! The mountains, those houses, those people, their customs. I like it, I like it! What is this place called?”

“Cheongdo, North Gyeongsang Province.”

“Ah, Seidō.”

Repeating the name to himself, he carefully writes it down in his notebook.

Professor Casulli catches hold of me and seems unwilling to let me go, but Dr. Paolo Bompard, whose face bears a remarkable resemblance to Mussolini’s, forcibly pulls me over to his seat.

Pointing toward the many earthen mounds scattered across the hills, the doctor says:

“Those are graves, are they not?”

“How did you know?”

“This is my first time in Japan, but I have been to China many times.”

“You look very much like Prime Minister Mussolini,” I say jokingly.

“Only in the face. As for the brains, I have a long way to go,” he replies with a joke of his own.

“Go on, guess how old I am.”

Trying to joke in return, I deliberately shave down the figure:

“Thirty-five or thirty-six?”

“Do not give me one of those Chinese-style answers. Add another twenty years!”

He laughs and shrugs his shoulders.

Just then we pass Samseong Station. Elementary-school pupils stand neatly arranged in a single file. At their teacher’s command, they simultaneously raise Hinomaru flags and shout “Banzai!”

“What splendid discipline!”

“Wonderful! Banzai!”

Such cries can be heard here and there throughout the train.

At this moment Marquis Paulucci appears in the observation car. Until then he had been shut away in his compartment, gazing out at the now brilliantly clear skies over the Korean peninsula while drafting the speech he is to deliver in Seoul.

When I greet him with “Welcome,” he firmly grasps my hand in his enormous hand.

His palm is damp with perspiration, and it feels almost as though the Marquis’s southern warmth and passion are flowing directly into my own hand.

Looking at the orchids and sea bream presented to the delegation at Busan and Miryang, he smiles broadly.

“We are going to eat that sea bream for lunch. I expect it will be delicious.”

Then he says:

“I offer my heartfelt respect to Governor-General Minami and Commander Koiso. I had already acquired considerable knowledge of Korea from news photographs and the like, but I am deeply moved to see that Japan and Korea have become so completely fused into one. The efforts of Their Excellencies have been magnificent.”

As though to embody the word “wonderful,” the Marquis’s great eyes shine brilliantly.

“Thank you very much,” I reply, instinctively bowing my head.

“What about having Japan and Italy cooperate to produce a film on an even grander scale than the Italian national-policy film Scipione?”

“That would be splendid. But that is such a large question that it would require considerable study. I do think an exchange of actors between our two countries is necessary, and I would like to see it realized.”

“Korea is an extraordinarily beautiful place,” he says.

As he speaks, the train glides into Daegu Station, which is buried beneath Japanese and Italian flags.

A storm of “Banzai!”

Marquis Paulucci steps down onto the platform. He receives bouquets from Tokiko Fukunaka, 18, of Daegu Girls’ High School, dressed in a long-sleeved kimono, and An Yun-ju (안윤주, 安潤珠), 17, of North Gyeongsang Girls’ High School, dressed in Korean clothing.

Then, facing the cheering crowd, he raises his right hand in the Fascist manner and, with remarkably accurate Japanese pronunciation, cries:

“Banzai to the citizens of Daegu!”

The excited crowd replies with another storm of banzais.

Wiping the perspiration from his forehead as he climbs back into the observation car, the Marquis murmurs to the person beside him:

“I can only say how deeply moved I am by the welcome from officials and people all along the route.”

The train flies like an arrow past station after station, each buried beneath Hinomaru flags and cries of “Banzai!”

“What is this station called?”

The question is asked in Japanese.

I turn around and see the monocled Count Rivetta smiling at me.

“You are Count Rivetta, are you not?” I say with a bow.

With exaggerated laughter he replies:

“Why, there is no one who does not know Rivetta—just like Momotarō!”

Beside him sits Colonel Camillo Canali, relaxed and composed. He is renowned as coming from an entire family of Japanophiles, his father and elder brother having been connected with consular service in Japan.

After introductions, I ask:

“What impression did you receive from seeing Japan’s army and navy?”

“Splendid. But let us leave politics aside and talk about something lighter.”

He deftly slips away from the question.

The train carrying the delegation continued on its way.

At 12:20 p.m., just as Marquis Paulucci and the others are about to sit down to luncheon, the train pulls into Osan Station, now not far from their destination of Seoul.

Leaving their meal unfinished, the Marquis steps onto the platform. Facing the cheering crowd, he shouts:

“Banzai to the youth of Japan!” and himself leads the ensuing storm of banzais.

Then comes Suwon. As they dine while looking out toward Seoho, Paulucci praises the sea-bream dish to Foreign Affairs Department chief Matsuzawa:

“It really is delicious.”

Suddenly a welcoming aircraft emerges from the far side of the blue heavens and, its engine roaring, sweeps low over the roof of the speeding train.

“That flight is in your honor—it has come to welcome you,” we tell them.

Everyone cranes their necks toward the windows, looking upward and becoming as excited as children.

Soon the Han River, too, is behind us.

And at last the special train of Japanese-Italian friendship glides into Seoul Station, where a surging torrent of cheers awaits.

[Upper photograph] Marquis Paulucci raising his hand in greeting at the station; at left, Director of Political Affairs Ōno welcoming him.

[Lower photograph] The delegation visiting Chōsen Shrine.
[Inset reproduction] Marquis Paulucci’s signature.

Today, Seoul Is an Anti-Comintern City
Waves of Flags, Clouds of Blossoms, a Tempest of Welcome

☆ … Seoul welcomes the guests from allied Italy, friends from southern Europe who stepped proudly from their special train amid a storm of cheers. Under a clear Japanese sky softened by spring haze, the streets are decorated everywhere with crossed Japanese and Italian flags. Signs proclaiming “Viva l’Italia” express the affection, excitement, and enthusiasm felt toward Fascist Italy, which has extended such tremendous friendship to Japan since the outbreak of the Second Sino-Japanese war.

☆ … From the goodwill train emerges the party of Blackshirts, forming ranks behind their leader, Paulucci. Amid a storm of cries of “Long live Italy!”, the entire party cuts such a dashing figure that one is reminded of the March on Rome. Thoroughly swept up by their reception, and with tears of happiness in their eyes, they respond with the Japanese word “Arigatō,” learned during more than a month of travel through mainland Japan, while raising their right hands in salute. Cheers erupt around them.

☆ … From the station to Chōsen Shrine, the roadside is a sea of flags held by tens of thousands of schoolchildren's organizations. Standing in an open automobile, Marquis Paulucci raises his right hand in an affectionate salute. The welcoming citizens are beside themselves with excitement. From the sacred grounds, fresh with new greenery and fragrant with the spring breeze, the delegation looks down upon the city of Seoul, repeatedly exclaiming:

“What a lovely, clean city!”

At the shrine they are served bancha tea and senbei rice crackers. The members of the delegation knock their tea bowls together as though making a toast, displaying a thoroughly relaxed and good-humored familiarity with the occasion.

☆ … Representing the delegation, Marquis Paulucci signs the shrine register with a writing brush. In Japanese he says: “A little difficult, is it not?”

☆ … After taking a short rest at the shrine, the visitors continue gazing with delight over flower-filled Seoul. “Italian cities are built upon hills, but Seoul is a city among valleys. How beautiful it is!” As they voice their admiration, the people gathered throughout the shrine grounds continually send up cries of “Viva l’Italia!”, completing another warm exchange of goodwill.

☆ … To welcome the goodwill delegation from allied, anti-Comintern Italy, the Seoul Communications authorities have arranged temporary branches of the Seoul Post Office at the delegation’s lodging, the Chōsen Hotel, at the site of the welcoming banquet sponsored by Seoul municipality, and in front of Gyeonghoeru Pavilion, behind the Government-General Building. Temporary arrangements for accepting mail and providing other services will thus be made for the convenience of the delegation.

Culinary “Interlude”
Chōsen Hotel Head Chef Iwabuchi Answers Our Questions
Figuring Out What to Serve the Delegation

With the arrival in Seoul of Marquis Paulucci and the Italian goodwill delegation, there is one group declaring enthusiastically, “we extend goodwill through taste!”

So we decided to ask Tokizō Iwabuchi, head chef of the Chōsen Hotel, a man whose livelihood depends entirely upon his palate, one simple question: “What do Italians like to eat?”

Iwabuchi is a veteran who has now spent some twenty years at the well-known Chōsen Hotel, and is also regarded as an authority in his profession. Chef Iwabuchi tells us:

“The menu is all set, OK! But since this hotel has been designated as the lodging place for distinguished state guests, this is no ordinary assignment. The trouble with our work is that the effort we put into it is not something that shows directly. So people do not always notice how much trouble we take, which can be a little lonely for us.

“As things stand, the delegation is scheduled to eat only one breakfast here during their stay, but we have made every possible preparation in case anything should arise.

“Some people may think of Italy simply as the home of macaroni, but naturally they have a considerable variety of dishes over there. Generally speaking, however, they appear to prefer fairly light cooking, and they certainly seem not to care much for pork or eggs, so we are paying particular attention to that.

“The delegation is being subjected everywhere to one welcoming banquet after another. So what we are aiming for is a kind of culinary interlude.

“It is rather like a Japanese person, exhausted from being feasted everywhere, suddenly longing for a simple bowl of ochazuke and some takuan pickles.

“We want to use that same idea with the delegation. Avoiding formality altogether, I would like to prepare dishes whose flavors quietly lead our guests into a kind of paradise of taste. I swear that is genuinely what I am hoping to accomplish.

“And if it should turn out that the hotel is asked to provide a dinner as well, I would like to think about a menu incorporating seasonings and dishes distinctive to the Korean peninsula.”

Keijo Nippo Newspaper’s Aircraft Makes a Welcome Flight

To welcome the emissaries of our allied nation, this newspaper dispatched its own aircraft to greet the delegation’s special train on its splendid journey.

Flying as far as the skies above Suwon, its silver wings performed an aerial dance of welcome, producing a magnificent exchange of greetings in the sky and deeply moving the members of the delegation.

Ginseng-and-Deer-Antler Tonic Presented to the Delegation

The Jaseondang (자선당, 慈善堂) Pharmaceutical Company, located in Jongno 3-ga, Seoul, has expressed its heartfelt welcome for the visit to Korea of the Italian goodwill delegation from our allied nation.

To relieve the fatigue of delegation leader Marquis Paulucci and the other visitors after their long journey, and to provide them some comfort during their travels, the company decided to present twenty-six sets of its “Samnyong (삼용, 蔘茸) Tonic,” a restorative medication made from Korea’s famous ginseng and deer antler.

After receiving the approval of the Government-General authorities, company managing director Kim Il-yeong (김일영, 金一泳) visited this newspaper on the morning of April 22nd and asked us to act as intermediary.

This newspaper immediately made arrangements for the gifts to be presented to the delegation upon its arrival at the Chōsen Hotel.

[Photograph: the Samnyong Tonic presented to the delegation.]

Their Highnesses Prince Yi and Princess Yi
Visit and Comfort the “Warriors in White”

On the sixth day since their return to the palace, Their Highnesses Prince Yi Un (이은, 李垠) and Princess Yi Bangja (이방자, 李方子) have been passing through an extremely busy schedule, including visits to family graves and long-awaited meetings with close relatives.

On the morning of the 23rd, accompanied by their aide-de-camp Major Irie, Director Shinoda of the Office of the Yi Royal Household, and Vice-Director Baron Yi Hang-gu (이항구, 李恒九) Their Highnesses departed Changdeok Palace at 9:00 a.m.

At 9:20 a.m. they visited Army Commander Koiso at his official residence, where they engaged in various cordial conversations. They departed the residence at 9:30 a.m.

At 9:40 a.m. they arrived at Yongsan Army Hospital. Guided by Hospital Director Uno, they first rested briefly in the director’s office. After hearing a detailed report from the director concerning the condition and treatment of the patients, Their Highnesses proceeded in order through the Third Surgical Ward, Second Surgical Ward, First Internal Medicine Ward, and the officers’ ward, where they visited the wounded and sick soldiers: the “warriors in white.”

His Highness acknowledged each wounded or sick soldier individually, asking after his condition and offering words of encouragement. Her Highness likewise made various inquiries through the hospital director.

The royal couple then returned to the director’s office for another brief rest and also conversed with Army Commander Koiso.

At 10:45 a.m., in excellent spirits and seen off by the assembled officials, Their Highnesses departed the hospital and proceeded to Deoksu Palace.

The “warriors in white,” having recently been honored by a visit from Prince Higashikuni, Lieutenant General of the Army, and now once again by the visit of Their Highnesses Prince and Princess Yi, were deeply moved by these repeated honors.

His Highness also expressed profound sympathy for the circumstances of the wounded soldiers and bestowed gifts upon them that day.

[Photograph: respectfully taken this morning at the Army Hospital]

[Transcription]

京城日報 1938年4月24日

親善の話題を満載
ファシスト列車驀進
歓呼に沸く半島の”黒い春”

【伊太利使節団特別列車にて李元栄特派員発】パウリッチ侯一行を乗せた特別列車は朝霧をかき分けて北へ北へと走る。長途の旅の疲れをゆっくり休ませるため本府の心遣いで出発二三時間は一行のコンパートメントになるべく接近を遠慮することにしたが、パウリッチ侯初め誰も休もうとするものはない。車窓に眼をくっつけて『ベロベロ（美しい美しい）』を連呼する。霧が霽れた、まぶしい朝の光が青い麦畑の上にさんさんふりそそぐ。

『ベロー！』羅馬大学教授アントニオ・カスッリ氏が突然大きな声で叫んだので記者はびっくりした。『車窓に映る景色がこんに美しいですか』と訊くと、感極まった如く両腕を大げさに拡げて『我が故郷そっくりだ。サルデニアの風景そのままじゃないか。ごらんなさい、山、あの家、あの人、あの風俗、好きじゃ好きじゃ。此所ら辺は何という所かね』『慶尚北道の清道』『ああセイドウ』と繰り返えしながら手帳に細かく書き込む。カッスリ教授が捉まえて放さないが記者はムッソリーニの顔によく似たパオロ・ボルパルド博士に無理に引張られて彼の席に行った。

博士は山に沢山ある土まんじゅうを指しながら『あれは墓だろう』『あなたどうして知っていますか』『僕は日本には初めてだが支那には何べんも来たことがあるよ』『あなたはムッソリーニ首相によく似てますね』と冗談をいうと『顔だけはね。まだまだ頭は及ばずだよ』とシャレをいう。『君僕の年当ててごらん』といわれて、こっちもシャれる積りで『三十五六でしょう』とうんと値切っていうと『支那式な言い方するな。それより二十は多いよ』と笑いながら肩をすくめる。

この時三省駅を過ぎた一列縦隊にきちんと整列した小学生が先生の号令と共に日の丸の旗を一斉にあげて万歳を叫ぶ『立派な統制だ。嬉しい、万歳』の叫びがあっちこっちで聴こえる。このときコンパートメントに閉じ籠って晴れ渡った半島の空を眺めながら京城でやるべき式辞を起草していたパ侯が展望車に現われた『ようこそ』と挨拶を述べると大きい手で記者の手をしっかと握る。掌が汗でねっとりと濡れてパ侯の南国的温情と情熱が記者の手に流れ込むようだ。釜山と密陽で贈った蘭と鯛を眺めながら『あの鯛を昼飯に食うことになっている。うまいだろうな』といってにっこり笑う。

『私は衷心から南総督と小磯司令官に敬意を表するよ。ニュース写真などによって朝鮮に対する予備知識は十分に得たが内鮮がかくも渾然と一体になっているとは感激の至りじゃ。両閣下の努力は偉大なものじゃ』

ワンダフルを象徴する如くパ侯の大きな両眼が烱々と輝く。

『ありがとうございます』記者は頭が下った。

『イタリーの国策映画シピオネ否それ以上の超規模映画を一つ日本と伊太利とが協力して製作して見てはどうでしょう』『いいな、しかしこれは問題が余り大きいから色々研究の余地がある。両国の俳優の交換などは必要だと思うし実現したいよ』

『朝鮮は素晴らしく麗わしいところだね』といっている中に汽車は日伊国旗で埋まった大邱駅に滑り込んだ。万歳の嵐だ。ホームに降り立ったパ侯は振袖の大邱高女福中時子さん（一八）と朝鮮服の慶北高女安潤珠（一七）さんから花束を受けた後歓呼の群集にファシスト式に右手をあげ日本発音も正確に『大邱市民万歳』を高唱する。熱狂した群集も万歳の嵐だ。額の汗を払きながら展望車に上ったパ侯は『沿線官民の歓待には全く感激の外ない』と隣の人に囁く。日章旗と万歳に埋まれた駅々を列車は矢の如く通り過ぎる。

『この駅は何というの？』と日本語で訊かれて振りかえって見ると訊していたモノクルのリヴェッタ伯がにっこり笑う。『リヴェッタさんですか』と会釈すると『里別田は桃太郎見たいに知らない人はおらんな』と大げさに笑う。隣に厳父と令兄が日本領事であった一家揃っての親日家で有名なカミリオ・カナリ大佐が悠然と坐っている。

刺を通じて『日本の陸海軍をごらんになってどんな印象を受けましたか』と訊くと『立派だ。政治に関することはよして軟らかい話でもしようじゃないか』と軽く逃げる使節団を乗せた汽車は走った走った。午後零時二十分パ侯一同が午餐の食卓に着こうとすると目指す京城からほど遠からぬ烏山駅に滑り込んだ。やりかけた食事を止めてパ侯はホームに下り立ち歓呼の群集に『日本青年万歳』を叫んで万歳の嵐の音頭を取った。水原だ西湖を眺めながらの食事『やっぱり旨いですな』と松沢外務部長に鯛の料理を讃美する。

蒼穹のかなたから現われた歓迎の慎機が爆音高く走る汽車の屋根を掠り飛んだ『みなさんを迎える歓迎飛行です』と伝えると一行は首を伸ばして窓外を見上げながら子供のようにはしゃぐうち漢江もすぎて日伊親善の特別列車は歓呼の怒濤渦巻く京城駅に辷り込んだ。

【写真上】駅頭で交歓のパウリッチ侯の挙手、左は出迎えの大野政務総監【写真下】朝鮮神宮へ参拝の一行（凸版はパ侯のサイン）

きょうぞ防共都市京城
旗の波、花の雲、歓迎の暴風

☆．．．特別列車で歓呼の嵐の中に晴の京城に降り立った南欧の盟友イタリーの賓客を迎える京城は春霞の日本晴れ、街道は日伊両国国旗の交叉、ヴィヴァ・リタリアの額が支那事変以来絶大の友情を贈ってくれたファシスト伊太利国への親愛をこめた熱狂と昂奮を標示している。

☆．．．親善列車から黒シャツ一行パウリッチ団長を先頭に整列。『伊太利万歳』の歓迎の嵐の中を全員はローマ進軍を思わせる程颯爽、すっかり歓迎陣に昂奮、月余の内地の旅で覚えた『アリガトウ』の日本語に嬉しい涙をうかべ右手をあげての挨拶に沸きあがる歓声。

☆．．．駅から朝鮮神宮への沿道は数万の学童団体の旗の波、オープンの自動車に立ってパウリッチ団長右手をあげて親愛の敬礼に歓迎の市民は全く昂奮、春風薫る新緑の神苑から京城の街を眺め素的な清楚な街と連呼。神宮接待の番茶とセンベイに一行茶碗をカッチリとカチ合せて乾杯の恰好、すっかり物馴れた愛嬌たっぷり。

☆．．．パウリッチ侯代表して毛筆で参拝の署名に『少しむずかしいですね』と日本語。

☆．．．神宮で少憩花の京城を飽かず眺め伊太利の街は丘の上、京城は谷間の街、何んて美しいのでしょうと絶讃する中を神苑に歓迎の人々はヴィヴァ・リタリアの歓声を絶えず送って麗わしい交歓をとげている。

☆．．．防共の盟邦伊太利の親善使節団一行を迎えて京城逓信分掌局では、使節団の宿泊所朝鮮ホテルと京城府主催歓迎宴会場及び総督府裏慶會樓前に京城郵便局臨時出張所を設け、郵便物の受付其他の臨時施設を講じ一行の利便を図ることになった。

”合の手”料理
朝鮮ホテルの料理長＝岩淵さんに訊く
使節の食膳打診

伊国親善使パウリッチ侯一行入城を迎えて『わし等は味の親善だ』とハリキル舌一枚が生命の渡世人―朝鮮ホテル料理長岩淵時三親方に『イタリー人は何がお好き？』の一節をお伺いして見よう。岩淵さんは人も知る朝鮮ホテルでは春秋二十年を迎えた古参株でまた斯界の権威者でもある。

岩淵さんはこう語る：『料理献立はOK!とは言うものの何しろ当ホテルは国賓の宿舎に当てられていますから、それは並大抵ではありませんよ。それにわし等の苦心は直接表れ現われる性質のものではありません。随って苦労も余り認められない訳で一寸淋しいですな。滞在中の食事予定は朝食一回になっていますが、万一に備えて万端の準備はしてあります。イタリーはマカロニの本場のように考えている向きもありましょうが、料理の種類はあちらにも相当ありますけれど主として淡白な料理を好み豚と玉子は確かに嫌いのようですから、その点は大いに注意している一行が歓迎攻めですから、私の方じゃその合の手を狙って例えば日本人が歓迎攻めからさっぱりとしたお茶漬めしとたくあんを求めるように使節団にもその手を用い一切形式を避けて献立を作りお客様を静かに味覚の挑源境へお誘いするような味を出したいと実際神かけて願っておりますが、若し晩餐でもホテルでするようでしたら半島独特の調味献立も考えて見たいとも思って居ります』

本社慎機歓迎飛行

盟邦の使節を迎える本社では特別列車の一行の壮途を迎えるため慎機を翔って水原上空まで銀翼円舞の出迎えを行い豪華な空からの交歓を行い一行に親愛の感激をあたえた。

蔘茸トニクを贈る

京城鐘路三丁目慈善堂製薬株式会社では、盟邦伊太利親善使節団の来鮮を心から歓迎。パウリッチ団長以下遠来の使節団の疲労を癒し旅情を慰めるため、同社製朝鮮特産の人蔘と鹿茸からなる強壮剤蔘茸トニク二十六対を贈呈することになり、総督府当局の諒解を得て専務取締役金一泳氏は二十二日朝本社を訪問取次方を依頼。本社では直ちに朝鮮ホテル着一行に贈呈手続きをとった（写真は贈呈の蔘茸トニク）

李王、同妃両殿下
白衣の勇士御慰問

御帰宮第六日御展墓に御運動に御近親との御久方ぶりの御接見に畏れ多くも連日御忙しい御日程を御過ごし遊ばされている李王、同妃両殿下には御附武官入江少佐、篠田李王職長官、同次官李恒九男御随伴二十三日午前九時昌徳宮御発同二十分小磯軍司令官を官邸に御訪問。種々御歓談あって後、同三十分官邸御出発。

同四十分龍山陸軍病院御着、宇野病院長の御案内で、一旦院長室に御休憩。院長から患者の療養状況を細々と御聴取遊ばされてから第三外科、第二外科、第一内科、将校病室の順を経て白衣の勇士を御見舞あらせられ殿下には傷病兵の一人一人にまで御会釈、御下問、激励の御言葉を賜わり、また妃殿下におかせられても種々病院長を通じて御下問相成り再び院長室に御少憩。小磯軍司令官とも御会談の上同十時四十五分御機嫌麗しく諸員奉送裡に病院を御出発徳壽宮へ向わせられた。白衣の勇士は嚢に東久邇中将宮殿下の御見舞あり今また李王、同妃両殿下の御見舞を賜わり重ね重ねの光栄に感激している。なお殿下には勇士の身上に深く御同情、当日御見舞品を御下賜相成った【御写真はけさ陸軍病院にて謹写】

L'Avvenire D'Italia, January 12, 1938
La missione del P. N. F. che si recherà in Giappone

ROMA, 11 sera: Il Segretario del partito, con Foglio di disposizioni n. 949, comunica che la missione del P. N. F., che si recherà in Giappone è così formata:

1. Rappresentanti del Direttorio nazionale del P. N. F.: R. Ambasciatore Giacomo Paulucci di Calboli, Capo della missione;
2. On. Giovanni Belelli, ispettore del P. N. F.;
3. comandante Edoardo Rossi, addetto al comando generale della G.I.L.
4. Rappresentante della M. V. S. N.: Console Camillo Canali.
5. Rappresentante dell'Associazione fascista della scuola: prof. Antonio Casulli.
6. Rappresentante del C.O.N.I.: dott. Paccio Pucci.
7. Rappresentante del ministero della cultura popolare: dott. Orlando Di Collalto.
8. Rappresentanti delle Confederazioni: Umberto Marconi, Confederazione fascista industriali;
9. Aldo Poletto, Confederazione fascista lavoratori industria; 
10. dott. Alfonso Visconti di Modrone, Confederazione fascista agricoltori;
11. on. Antonio Aghemo, Confederazione fascista lavoratori agricoltura;
12. dott. Genesio Boffa Tarlatta, Confederazione fascista commercianti;
13. dott. Paolo Bompard, Confederazione fascista aziende credito e assicurazione;
14. dott. Pietro Silvio Rivetta, Confederazione fascista professionisti e artisti.
15. Rappresentante dell'Ente nazionale fascista della cooperazione: Dott. Franco Loisi.
16. Segretario della missione R. Ministro plenipotenziario Marcello Rodolfo.

Sources:

• Digital Newspaper Archive, National Library of Korea
• L'Avvenire D'Italia, January 12, 1938 (link)

See also:

• Part 1 of Fascist Italian Delegation Coverage (link)
• Coverage of Nazi German newspaper delegation in Korea, May 1939 (link)
• Coverage of Fascist Spain's delegation in Korea, July 1940 (link)

1938 Italian Fascist Delegation to Korea – Imperial Japan welcomed 22 Fascists in Black Uniforms Led by Ambassador Marquis Paulucci

In April 1938, a 22-member Italian Fascist delegation visited Korea from the afternoon of April 23 until the evening of April 24. They had just spent roughly 40 days traveling throughout Japan proper before continuing through colonial Korea.

Despite spending only about 36 hours in Korea, the delegation received extraordinarily lavish newspaper coverage, with pages upon pages devoted to virtually every aspect of the visit. The reporting ranges far beyond official speeches and diplomatic ceremonies. It documents exchanges involving sports, cinema, food, music, Catholicism, martial arts, military affairs, and youth organizations. There were also numerous encounters with schoolchildren and ordinary people.

The delegation was headed by Marquis Giacomo Paulucci di Calboli Barone, an Italian diplomat whom Mussolini had appointed president of the Istituto Luce, the state-controlled film and newsreel organization that played a major role in Fascist propaganda. In many of the newspaper photographs from the trip, Paulucci appears relaxed, smiling, and unusually informal for someone heading such a heavily choreographed political mission.

Caption: Marquis Paulucci and Governor-General Minami Jiro shaking hands at the Government-General.

Original Caption: Women's National Women's Defense Association members greeting the delegation in front of Seoul Station

On the day of the visit, the front page of the newspaper prominently featured on the headline, in Italian, "Benvenuto alla Missione Fascista Amica Italiana al nome della tutta la Chosen" or "Welcome to the Friendly Italian Fascist Mission, in the Name of All Korea", accompanied by a prominent portrait of Paulucci and the Japanese and Italian flags in full color. Evidently, Imperial officials went all out to ensure that their guests felt welcome.

What makes these articles especially interesting to me is that they capture Italian, Japanese, and Korean cultures and languages encountering one another in very concrete, everyday ways. The newspapers record what the delegates ate, which Korean foods they tried, where they went, what they thought of the places they saw, and even some of their attempts at Korean expressions such as “aigo” and “komapsumnida.”

The religious dimension is also interesting. The delegation made a point of attending Catholic Mass at Myeongdong Cathedral, while also visiting Shinto shrines and making ceremonial offerings. 

I will try to share as much of this coverage as I can, divided into installments as time permits. Given the sheer volume of material, I may omit some of the longer ceremonial speeches when they do not appear to add much historical insight.

These newspapers preserve an unusually detailed record of a very brief visit, and much of the material is difficult to access unless one can read the original Japanese. I think the articles are fascinating primary sources, so I am making an effort to translate and share them here.

[Translation]

Gyeongseong Ilbo (Keijo Nippo), April 24, 1938

VIVA L’ITALIA

Welcome! The Italian Delegation
Amid an Outpouring of Enthusiastic Cheers, the Italian Delegation Enters Seoul
Arrived Today at 1:10 P.M. by Special Train
The Entire City Buried in Welcoming Flags

Amid cheers filled with the heartfelt devotion of all Korea, the Fascist Mission to Japan swept through showers of blossoms and traversed the Korean peninsula, now budding in fresh spring green, aboard the special observation “black train.” At 1:10 p.m. on April 23rd, with the cherry blossoms everywhere in magnificent full bloom, the party was engulfed in a storm of fervent welcome as it arrived in the capital, Seoul, taking its glorious first step here as a mission for the ages.

The sacred Anti-Comintern alliance between Japan and Italy, firmly bound together by the ideals of the purification of the world and of justice, stood solemnly affirmed. Still plainly visible on their faces was the emotion of more than a month spent in mainland Japan, upon which they had lavished the highest praise as:

“the astonishing land of Yamato, the Land of the Rising Sun, where the beauty of nature and the intellectual activity of a heroic people come together.”

As the members of the mission stepped down onto the station platform, Director of Political Affairs Ōno and the others raised both hands to greet the emissaries of the allied nation with cries of emotion and enthusiasm.

Oh! Viva l’Italia!
(Long live Italy!)

Viva la Missione Fascista!
(Long live the Fascist Mission!)

The party was headed by Marquis Giacomo Paulucci di Calboli Barone, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary and President of the state-run film L'Instituto Luce. It included Giovanni Belelli, member of the Chamber of Deputies and inspector of the National Fascist Party; Edoardo Rossi, of the General Command of the Fascist Youth Organization; Console Camillo Canali, representative of the Fascist Blackshirt Militia (MVSN); Dr. Orlando di Collalto, representative of the Ministry of Popular Culture; and Professor Antonio Casuli, representative of Fascist education, together with representatives of the various occupational and functional sectors.

The mission numbered eighteen members, with four accompanying staff. Embodying in spirit and bearing every stratum of Fascism, they were met by the fervor of the Korean peninsula. Thus, amid mounting emotion, the magnificent first page was written in the historic fellowship between Japan and Italy, as Korea’s heartfelt welcome and the emissaries of the allied nation came firmly together.

First, a Visit to the Chōsen Shrine

On this day the capital, Seoul, presented a scene worthy of welcoming the emissaries of an allied nation. The blossom-clouded sky gave way to brilliant clear weather, while from Seoul Station throughout the streets the green, white, and red flags of Italy crossed amicably with the Japanese Hinomaru, fluttering in the spring breeze as though themselves sharing in the excitement.

The central entrance of Seoul Station and the entrance to the VIP room had been splendidly decorated, with Italian flags bearing the royal crown displayed above them. At Namdaemun, where fresh ivy shoots were budding, the flags of Japan and Italy were likewise crossed, and a large sign reading BENVENUTO (“Welcome”) hung in the center. The entire decorated city was caught up in a whirl of excitement over the arrival of the delegation.

The platform was packed with some four hundred persons, beginning with Director of Political Affairs Ōno and including members of the Korean nobility, all imperial-appointed civil and military officials stationed in the capital, and representatives of various organizations.

At 1:10 p.m., pushing through a blizzard of cherry blossoms and amid a storm of cheers loud enough to rend the air, the black special goodwill train arrived with a powerful rhythm that seemed to shake the very earth.

From the panoramic observation car stepped Marquis Paulucci, the head of the mission, followed by the other delegates, all dressed in black Fascist uniforms. Brimming with energy, they descended with brisk, vigorous steps, displaying the strict discipline of the Party. With their leader at the front, all twenty-two members of the party formed ranks.

In answer to the deafening cries of “Viva l’Italia!”, Marquis Paulucci and the other delegates raised their right hands high in the Fascist salute. Director of Political Affairs Ōno stepped forward and exchanged an emotional handshake with the Marquis, as the excitement around them swelled like a great wave.

Led by Stationmaster Haruta, the delegation then entered the VIP room, where they were introduced to the representatives of government and the public who had come to receive them. These included Central Council advisers Min Byeong-sang (閔丙爽, 민병상), Yi Yun-yong (李允用, 이윤용), and Yun Deok-yeong (尹徳栄, 윤덕영); Shinoda, head of the Office of the Yi Royal Household; Yoshida, Director of the Railway Bureau; Nakayama, head of the Army Accounting Department; Hayami, president of Keijō Imperial University; Kanja, the Governor of Gyeonggi Province; Saeki, mayor of Seoul; Kada, president of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry; and others.

At that moment fireworks burst in the spring sky, while the crowd of well-wishers in the square before the station continued to grow.

When the members of the mission formed ranks outside the VIP room, the Railway Bureau brass band struck up the Italian national anthem. The delegates responded by raising their right hands in the Party salute.

They then divided among fourteen waiting automobiles. From the station along Namdaemun Avenue, tens of thousands of schoolchildren and members of various organizations lined the streets in a sea of flags, while passionate cries of “Viva l’Italia!” rose from the crowds.

The delegation proceeded first to the Chōsen Shrine. Deeply impressed by the solemnity of the sacred grounds, glowing in the fresh green of spring, the delegates bowed before the shrine. Marquis Paulucci presented a tamagushi offering, and then raised his right hand in the Fascist salute.

Looking down from the shrine grounds upon the capital Seoul, buried beneath cherry blossoms, the visitors praised it as:

“A city that preserves the atmosphere of an ancient capital, yet at the same time is making a magnificent leap forward.”

They then returned to their automobiles and, passing once again through the storms of welcome lining the route, headed for the Government-General.

A Firm Handshake with Governor-General Minami

After visiting the Chōsen Shrine, the delegation arrived at the Government-General at 2:15 p.m.

Before their arrival, three section chiefs, Usui of Personnel, Isaka of Documents, and Fujimoto of Accounts, had assembled at the main entrance to receive them.

The members of the delegation stepped from more than a dozen automobiles and formed ranks before the entrance, once again displaying the strict discipline of the Fascist organization.

They were then conducted by Matsuzawa, head of the Foreign Affairs Department, through the main entrance and the great central hall into the First Conference Room.

Prior to their arrival, bureau and section chiefs of the Government-General and the governors of the various provinces had formed two ranks on the right side of the throne dais.

Governor-General Minami, formally attired in the dress uniform of an army general, entered the First Conference Room accompanied by Director of Political Affairs Ōno, Secretaries Kondō and Amaya, and Special Adviser Tōgō, and awaited the delegation.

Presently the visitors entered, led by Marquis Paulucci. They formed a single rank on the left side of the throne dais, facing the officials of the Government-General.

Governor-General Minami stepped forward and exchanged a very firm handshake with the Marquis.

It was a deeply moving scene: nothing less than a “handshake for the ages” symbolizing Japanese-Italian friendship.

The Marquis next shook hands with Director of Political Affairs Ōno. Then, following introductions by Foreign Affairs Department chief Matsuzawa, the Governor-General and Vice-Governor-General shook hands with each of the members of the delegation.

The Government-General officials then returned to their places and saluted. The Italian party responded by raising their right hands high in the Fascist salute.

Governor-General Minami stepped forward and, through Secretary Ogawa who interpreted, delivered the welcoming remarks printed elsewhere.

When he had finished, a toast was proposed with chilled sake. Marquis Paulucci then delivered a reply, after which another toast was raised.

Thus ended the delegation’s dramatic exchange of cordiality with the senior leadership of the central administration.

Accompanied by Governor-General Minami, the party then emerged from the main entrance and posed for a commemorative photograph, with Minami and Marquis Paulucci at the center.

Seen off by the Governor-General, the Vice-Governor-General, and the other officials, the delegation departed for the official residence of the Commander of the Korean Army in Yongsan.

Marquis Paulucci Replies to Governor-General Minami

In response to Governor-General Minami’s address of welcome, Marquis Paulucci, head of the Italian delegation, spoke as follows:

Your Excellency, ladies and gentlemen:

On behalf of myself and all the members of the Fascist national delegation, I offer my heartfelt thanks for the gracious words of welcome that you have just extended to us on behalf of the officials and people of Korea.

At the same time, I wish to express my sincere respect for the consideration shown in arranging for the presence here today of Their Excellencies the governors of the thirteen provinces.

Their attendance demonstrates the profound respect felt throughout the peninsula, among officials and civilians alike, toward Italy, and also manifests the welfare and peace established through the fusion of Japan and Korea as subjects of Japan.

We have been able to observe that, under the direction of the powerful Japanese Government, the political and economic development of Korea is proceeding rapidly, and that the union of Japanese blood and culture, built up over a long history, is becoming ever deeper both materially and spiritually.

Korea, which occupies an important geographical position and constitutes an important element of the Japanese Empire, has been united with Japan. I believe that the achievement here of a complete fusion of the Japanese and Korean peoples offers a guarantee of lasting peace on the Asian continent.

I would add that what has crowned the important geographical mission of Korea with still greater distinction is the conclusion last year of the Japanese-German-Italian Anti-Comintern Agreement.

This agreement represents an advance far surpassing even the ideal world envisioned by the League of Nations.

Your Excellency, how fortunate we should be if we were able to remain for an extended period and observe more fully this land over which Your Excellency exercises such brilliant rule in pursuit of lofty aims.

Our delegation will carry back to Italy the many joyful memories of this visit, and it will be our pleasure to tell our countrymen how Korea is developing today.

I now raise my glass and offer my wishes for the happiness and prosperity of all the people of Korea.

In Reply to Army Commander Koiso

In response to the welcome extended by Army Commander Koiso, Marquis Paulucci spoke as follows:

All of us in the delegation have spent several extremely pleasant weeks in Japan proper, and we are now most delighted to have had the opportunity, however brief and hurried our visit may be, to see this beautiful Korean Peninsula.

We fully understand the great importance of the security of this peninsula.

Our mother country, Italy, understands well the conditions by which true peace is brought about.

From the bottom of my heart, I offer my thanks for the profound sentiments Your Excellency has expressed toward the armed forces of Italy.

Korean Products Presented to the Delegation as Souvenirs

On the occasion of the Italian delegation’s visit to Korea, Governor-General Minami presented the members of the party with the following products of the peninsula as souvenirs:

1. 1. Korean ginseng
   2. Cigarettes produced by the Government-General Monopoly Bureau
   3. Tablecloths depicting Korean scenery

The Seoul municipal authorities also presented the delegation with Goryeo-style ceramic vases.

Heaven and Earth, Dark and Yellow

The Italian Goodwill Delegation arrives in Seoul; all Korea turns out to give it a great welcome.

May these voices of welcome echo as far as the mountains and rivers of Italy.

And through the fervor of this welcome, may the bonds of friendship linking Japan and Italy grow ever firmer.

Prime Minister Konoe has recovered his health. At a Cabinet meeting he declared that, with renewed spirit, he would devote himself to affairs of state. For the moment, the political situation has therefore stabilized.

Carp streamers flutter in the great sky.

This year, in particular, they appear exceptionally gallant and heroic.

Gyeongseong Ilbo (Keijo Nippo), April 23, 1938

Benvenuto alla Missione Fascista Amica Italiana al nome della tutta la Chosen

Welcome to the Friendly Italian Fascist Mission, in the Name of All Korea

Editorial

Welcome to the Italian Delegation

Welcome, Italian Goodwill Delegation!
Led by Marquis Paulucci
All Korea Rises to Welcome the Delegation of Our Friendly Nation, Italy

Now, with the cherry blossoms in full bloom and both nature and mankind alike brimming with vigorous life, the joy with which the twenty-three million people of the Korean peninsula welcome the goodwill delegation from our allied nation, Italy, is something that words alone cannot adequately express.

We earnestly hope that the members of the delegation will recognize, wherever they travel throughout the peninsula, the true sincerity and wholehearted devotion of our compatriots, and that they will fully savor the spectacle of mountains and rivers everywhere filled with an air of rejoicing.

We have no doubt that, in Tokyo, in Osaka, and in the various other places they have already visited, the members of the delegation have encountered the spirit and vigor of the Japanese people as a whole, and have come to understand how sincerely Japan and the Japanese nation are devoting themselves to unity and cooperation with our allied nation, Italy.

At the same time, we believe that through all they have experienced during the course of this journey, they have come to understand fully what Bushidō means and what constitutes the true essence of the Imperial Way spirit.

◇

And now, as the members of the delegation pass through the peninsula, we fervently hope that, in witnessing the diligence and industriousness of our twenty-three million compatriots, their harmony and cooperation, and the true condition of the rapidly advancing industry and culture of the peninsula, they will recognize that wherever the spirit of the Imperial Way advances, the peace, welfare, and enlightenment of the masses necessarily follow.

◇

The world today stands at a great turning point and faces a new age.

At the center of that new age, and serving as its leaders, stand none other than the anti-Comintern camp centered upon Japan, Italy, and Germany.

Strangely enough, these three countries are entirely in accord in their spirit and vigor. In terms of their significance in world history, and in the fact that each is a modern nation advancing with remarkable speed, they seem to have been entrusted with a special mission for the new age.

Indeed, we must move resolutely forward, the anti-Comintern camp united as one, with a proud and independent spirit, toward the fulfillment of this great mission bestowed upon us by Heaven.

Here, therefore, while expressing our heartfelt welcome to the delegation, we also declare our convictions and pledge to strengthen our unity.

Photo captions: Upper photo: Marquis Paulucci and Governor-General Minami shaking hands at the Government-General; Lower Photo: Women's National Women's Defense Association members greeting the delegation in front of Seoul Station.

[Transcription]

京城日報 1938年4月24日

Viva L'Italia
歓迎！伊太利使節団
溢れる熱狂的歓呼裡に
伊太利使節団入城
きょう午后一時十分着特別列車で
全市、歓迎の小旗に埋る

全朝鮮の赤誠こもる歓呼の裡に訪日ファシスト使節団一行は花吹雪を衝いて新緑萌ゆる半島を特別展望”黒色列車”で縦断爛漫の桜花咲き誇る二十三日午後一時十分熱烈なる歓迎の嵐を浴びて首都京城に世紀の使節として晴の第一歩を印した。

世界浄化と正義の理想に固く結ばれた日伊防共の聖盟も厳かに『自然の美と英雄的民衆の智的活動が相合し驚くべき大和の国、日出ずる国』と絶讃を贈った月余に亘る内地での感激を再び眉宇にみなぎらせて駅頭フォームに降り立てば、大野政務総監始め双手を挙げて感激と熱狂の歓呼をもって盟邦の使節を迎える。

おお！ヴィヴァ・リタリア（伊太利万歳）、ヴィヴァ・ラ・ミッショーネ・ファシスタ！（ファシスト使節団万歳）

一行は特別全権大使兼国営映画ルーチェ総裁ジャコモ・パウリッチ・ディ・カルボーリ・バローメ侯を団長に、ファシスト党代表ジョヴァンニ・ベレルリ下院議員、ファシスト少年団総司令エドアルド・ロッシ将軍、国防国民軍代表カミーロ・カナーリ将軍、民衆文化省代表オルランド・ディ・コラルト博士、ファシスト教育代表アントニオ・カスーリ教授以下各職能代表を網羅した使節十八名（随員四名）でファシスト各階層の心魂、姿態の代表者で半島の熱誠と盟邦使節が固く交す日伊の歴史的交驩の豪華なる第一頁はかくて感激と燃えあがった。

先ず朝鮮神宮に参拝

この日、首都京城は盟邦使節を迎えるにふさわしい花曇りから日本晴れへ、京城駅頭から街路はいたるところ緑、白、赤のイタリー国旗と日の丸の旗が仲よく交叉して春風に翩翻と感激のはためきだ。盛装して待つ京城駅中央入口、貴賓室入口には王冠のある伊国国旗を掲げ蔦の新芽萌える南大門も日伊両国旗交叉して中央にベンベヌート（歓迎）の大額を掲げて盛装街は全く使節歓迎の興奮の渦巻。

プラットフォームには大野政務総監を始め朝鮮貴族、在城全勅任文武官、各種団体代表約四百名でギッシリと埋められた。

午後一時十分桜吹雪をかき分けて破れるような歓呼の嵐の中に黒色特別親善列車は地軸を揺がす力強いアクセントで到着。全展望車から黒いファシスト服で固めた団長パウリッチ侯以下使節は元気一杯に溌剌とした足どりで降り立ち厳格な党律を見せ、団長先頭に一行二十二名は整列。ヴィヴァ・リタリアの破れる歓迎の嵐に答えてパウリッチ侯以下何れも右手を高く翳してファシスト最高の敬礼、大野政務総監進んで感激の握手を交して興奮の怒濤なる。次いで春田駅長の先導で貴賓室に入り、出迎えの官民代表閔丙爽、李允用、尹徳栄各中枢院顧問、篠田李王職長官、吉田鉄道局長、中山軍経理部長、速水城大総長、甘蔗京畿道知事、佐伯府尹、賀田商工会頭らと面接を終る。

この時春空に花火が炸裂、駅頭広場は新に増す歓迎の群集、貴賓室広場で使節一行整列すれば鉄道局ブラスバンドは伊国国歌を吹奏すれば使節は右手を挙げての党律の挨拶で応え待ち構えた十四台の自動車に分乗駅頭から南大門通りを埋めた数万の学童、各種団体の旗の波と『ヴィヴァ・リタリア』の熱狂の歓声沸きあがる中を朝鮮神宮へ参拝、新緑萌える神苑の荘厳さに胸打たれ神前に拝礼してパウリッチ団長玉串を奉奠、右手をあげてファシスト最高の拝礼を終る。境内から桜に埋まれた首都京城の街を眺望『古都のおもかげを秘めしかも素晴らしき飛躍の街』と賞讃して再び自動車で沿道埋める歓迎の嵐を潜って総督府へ向った。

南総督と固き握手

朝鮮神宮に参拝した一行は午後二時十五分本府に到着する。これより先き本府正面玄関には碓井人事、井坂文書、藤本会計三課長が出迎える。十数台の自動車から降り立った一行は正面玄関に整列。ファシストの規律正しい處を見せる。やがて松沢外務部長の案内で正面玄関から中央大ホールを通って第一会議室に入場する。これより先、第一会議室には玉座右側に本府各局課長、各道知事が二列横隊に整列すれば南総督は陸軍大将普通礼服に威儀を正し、大野政務総監、近藤、天谷両秘書官、東郷御用掛を帯同して第一会議室に臨み一行を待つ。やがてパウリッチ侯を先頭とする一行は入場。玉座左側に本府側職員と相対して一列横隊に整列すれば南総督は進んでパ団長と固い固い握手が交わされる。これこそ日伊親善”世紀の握手”である感激の一シーンであった。

次いで大野政務総監と握手が交わされ、続いて松沢外務部長の紹介で総督、政務総監は団員一同に握手をなして本府側自席に就き一同敬礼すれば一行は右手を高く差し上げファシストの敬礼によってこれに答礼。総督は一歩前進小川書記官の通訳によって別項の如き歓迎の挨拶を述べ終って冷酒の乾盃をなせば使節団団長パウリッチ侯これに対して挨拶を行い再び乾盃を挙げて、ここに半島に於ける施政首脳部との劇的交驩を終り、南総督の案内で一行は正面玄関に現れ南総督、パ団長を中心に記念撮影をなし、総督、政務総監以下の見送裡に龍山朝鮮軍司令官官邸に向った。

南総督の挨拶にパ団長の挨拶

南総督の歓迎の辞に対し伊太利使節団長パウリッチ侯は左の如き挨拶をなした。

閣下並に各位、朝鮮官民を代表して只今御懇篤なる御挨拶を頂きましたことは私並にファシスト国民使節団一行の衷心より感謝する所であります。

同時に本日茲に十三道知事閣下の列席を得、半島疆内官民の伊太利に対する深甚なる敬意と日本臣民としての内鮮融合を確立せる福祉と平和とを表され下さいました御配慮に対し衷心より敬意を表する次第であります。

強大なる日本政府の御指導の下に朝鮮の政治、経済は急速なる進展をなし永き歴史に渉れる日本人の血液文化の結合は物質的にも精神的にも益々その度を高めつつあることを知り得ました。

日本帝国の重大要素として地理的にも重大なる朝鮮は日本と合体し同時にこの完全なる内鮮民の融合を見たことはアジア大陸永遠の平和を約束するものであると信じます。殊に地理的に重大なる朝鮮の使命に錦上花を添うるものは昨年の日独伊三国防共協定の締結であることを申上げたい。而してこの協定は国際聯盟の理想境よりも遥かに優る進歩であります。閣下若し閣下が高遠なる目的を目指し輝かしい御統治をなさるるこの土地に我々使節団一行の長期に亘る滞在を得て視察し得るならば私共はどんなにか幸いでありましょう。

我々視察団一行はこの喜悦溢るる記憶の数々を伊太利に持ち帰り朝鮮が現在如何に発展しつつあるかを語り得るを我々の喜びとする所であります。茲に盃を揚げて朝鮮の各位の御多幸と御隆昌とを祈ります。

小磯軍司令官の挨拶に対し

小磯軍司令官の歓迎に対しパウリッチ団長は左の如き挨拶をなした。

私共使節団一同は洵に愉快なる数旬を日本内地に過し今また飛脚的ではありますが、この美しい朝鮮半島を訪問することを得ましたのは最も欣快とする所であります。

私共はこの半島の安全なることが如何に重大なるかを充分諒知しておるのであります。

吾等の母国伊太利は真の平和の齎さるる所以をよく解するものであります。

私は衷心より閣下が伊太利国軍に与えられた深甚なる挨拶に対し感謝を表するものであります。

使節団一行に鮮産の土産

伊太利使節団の来鮮に際し南総督は一行に対する半島のお土産として左の品々を贈った

一、朝鮮人参

一、総督府専売局煙草

一、朝鮮風景を描けるテーブルクロス

なお京城府では一行に高麗焼花瓶を贈った。

天地玄黄

伊太利親善使節団来城、全鮮を挙げての大歓迎。

この歓呼の声、イタリーの山河にまでこだませむ。

しかしてこの歓迎の熱誠、日伊両国を結んで親善の実いよいよ固からむ。

近衛首相健康回復、心機一転政務に努力せむと閣議で挨拶。これにて政局一先ず安定。

大空にはためく鯉幟、今年に特に勇ましくも雄々しく眼に映ず。

京城日報 1938年4月23日

Benvenuto alla Missione Fascista Amica Italiana al nome della tutta la Chosen

社説
伊国使節団歓迎
歓迎！イタリー親善使節団！
使節団長パウリッチ侯
朝鮮は挙げて友邦伊太利使節団を歓迎

正にこれ桜花爛漫、人天倶に生気溌剌たるの時、半島二千三百万民衆が、盟邦イタリー親善使節団一行を迎うるの歓びは、言辞を以てよく尽す能わざるところ、希くは一行諸氏が半島到る處に於いて接するところの、我等同胞の誠心誠意の存ずるところを諒察せられ、山河の喜色に充ち満てる実状を満喫せられむことを切望して止まぬものである。

諸氏は既に東京に於いて、大阪に於いて、将た又他の各地に於いて、全日本国民の精神意気に接せられ、また、日本及日本国民が盟邦イタリーに対して、如何に心からなる団結協力の誠を致しつつあるかを察知せられたることを信じて疑わぬ。同時に諸氏が今回の旅行に方りて、随所に於いて体験せられたるところにより武士道の如何なるものであり、皇道精神の本義の如何なるものであるかを、十分に諒知せられたることを信ずるものである。

◇

而して諸氏は今半島を過ぐるに方り、半島二千三百万同胞の精励勤勉と親和協力と躍進する半島の産業文化の実相に接して、皇道精神の以て進むところ、大衆の平和と福利と光明の必然性を認得せられるべきを待望措かぬものである。

◇

今や世界は正に一大転換期にあり、新時代に直面しつつあるのであるが、その新時代の中軸たり、また指導者たるものは、実に日本、イタリー、ドイツを中心とする防共陣営に外ならぬ。而して此の三国は不思議にもその精神意気に於いて全く相通ずるものあり、その世界史的意義に於いて、何れも近代的躍進国であることに於いて、新時代への特殊使命を賦課されたるかの観がある。否、我等は此の天賦の大使命の達成に向って、防共陣営一体となって、自主の意気高く邁進しなければならぬ。我等はここに心からなる歓迎の意を表すると同時に、我等の所信を愬えて団結を固くせむことを誓うのである。

写真説明：（上）は本府にて南総督とパ団長の握手（下）は京城駅前国防婦人会員の使節団歓迎

Source: Digital Newspaper Archive, National Library of Korea

See also:

• Coverage of Nazi German newspaper delegation in Korea, May 1939 (link)
• Coverage of Fascist Spain's delegation in Korea, July 1940 (link)