Precursor - Forerunner

Japanese: 先触 - さきぶれ

Prior to a trip, a traveler would write a letter to the post station along the road to inform the post station of the number of men and horses required, as well as the date of arrival and planned resting. This practice has been seen since the Middle Ages, but was most commonly used in the early modern period, and was used by shogunate officials and guards on official business, feudal lords and nobles, and officials from various feudal domains. The date of arrival and planned resting were sometimes sent separately with the date of resting included. [Hatano Tominobu]

Source: Heibonsha World Encyclopedia, 2nd Edition Information

Japanese:

旅行者が旅行に先立って，通行する街道の宿駅に対して，必要とする人足や馬の数，さらには，到着日や休泊の予定を書状で委託すること。中世からみられるが，近世に最も多く遣わされ，幕府役人･勤番などの公務，領主･公家衆の通行をはじめ，諸藩の役人の通行にも出された。到着日や休泊の予定は，これとは別に休泊付として遣わされることもある。【波田野富信】

出典　株式会社平凡社世界大百科事典第２版について　情報

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