"Whereas women were created solely for amusement of men it ill becomes them to emancipate themselves," begins an article in an 1873 edition of Japan Punch. "As our slaves they are the most delightful of animals, but when they attempt to assume airs of superiority, then they become hateful."

A newspaper that published such a misogynistic, anti-suffragist diatribe today would be picketed before its editor could say "Kate Millet." But Japan Punch was no ordinary publication. Rather, it was the official organ for the publication in Japan of "Jollyfications emanating from His Ethereal Majesty's customhouse and Boat houses," wrote Charles Wirgman (1832-91), publisher, editor, writer and artist, in the inaugural issue, launched in Yokohama in May 1862 with a loan of $50 from the Swiss consul.

The journal's first cover showed a two-sworded, kimono-clad Japan Punch shaking hands with his inspiration: Punch from Punch or the London Charivari -- a satirical magazine founded in London in 1841. The inaugural issue also contained an introduction: "How are you? Short speeches make long friends. Life in East dreary one. Want of amusement. Pursuit of cash principal occupation. . . . Punch required relaxations of from (sic) business -- risible muscles set in motion beneficial to health. Let us smile sublime sublunar sentiment. Snow of Fusiyama melting before genial rays of rising sun. Crabs and oysters rejoice. . . . We introduce you to Punch."