They have a governor of their own race, a Christian, who has his officials and assistants.  He hears their cases in affairs of justice, in their domestic and business affairs.  Appeals from him go to the alcalde-mayor of Tondo or of the Parian, and from all these to the Audiencia, which also gives especial attention to this nation and whatever pertains to it.

No Sangley can live or own a house outside these settlements of the Parian, and of Baybay and Minondoc.  Native settlements are not allowed in Sangley settlements, or even near them.  No Sangley can go among the islands, or as much as two leguas from the city, without special permission.  Much less can he remain in the city at night, after the gates are shut, under penalty of death.

There are generally some Japanese, both Christian and infidel, in Manila.  These are left by the vessels from Japon, although they are not so numerous as the Chinese.  They have their special settlement and location outside the city, between the Sangley Parian and the suburb of Laguio, near the monastery of La Candelaria.  There they are directed by discalced religious of St. Francis, by means of interpreters whom the fathers keep for that purpose.  They are a spirited race, of good disposition, and brave.  They wear their own costume, namely, kimonos of colored silks and cotton, reaching half way down the leg, and open in front; wide, short drawers; close-fitting half-boots of leather, [256] and shoes like sandals, with the soles of well-woven straw.  They go bare-headed, and shave the top of the head as far back as the crown.  Their back hair is long, and fastened upon the skull in a graceful knot.  They carry their catans, large and small, in the belt.  They have scant beards, and are a race of noble bearing and behavior.  They employ many ceremonies and courtesies, and attach much importance to honor and social standing.  They are resolute in any necessity or danger.

Those who become Christians prove very good, and are very devout and observant in their religion; for only the desire for salvation incites them to adopt our religion, so that there are many Christians in Japon.  Accordingly they return freely, and without opposition, to their own country.  At most there are about five hundred Japanese of this nation in Manila, for they do not go to other parts of the islands, and such is their disposition that they return to Japon, and do not tarry in the islands; consequently very few of them usually remain in the islands.  They are treated very cordially, as they are a race that demand good treatment, and it is advisable to do so for the friendly relations between the islands and Japon. [257]

Few people come from the other nations—­Sian, Camboja, Borneo, Patan, and other islands—­outside our government; and they immediately return in their vessels.  Consequently, there is nothing special to be said of them, except that care is exercised in receiving and despatching them well, and seeing that they return quickly to their own countries.