The first rickshaw appeared in Japan at the beginning of the Meiji Restoration, around 1868, when the old palanquins were replaced. Traveling by rickshaw was faster than by palanquin and, amazingly, it was also a lot cheaper than horse-drawn vehicles...
The rickshaw business survived until today, but just for entertainment. The today's Japanese rickshaw drivers are good entertainers, experienced tour guides, they tell jokes and take photos... and manage to always keep a smile on their customers face... like you see in this photo taken in Kamakura:
EXIF info:
Nikon D300
Lens: 18-70mm F/3.5-4.5G
Focal Length: 50mm
Aperture: F/7.1
Shutter Speed: 1/50s
ISO Sensitivity: ISO 320