Much of his career was spent in China and Japan where he published several newspapers including The Far East, a fortnightly newsmagazine illustrated with original photographs.
When his initial business ventures failed, Black embarked on a singing career,[2] touring Australia, India, China, and finally Japan.
[4] The Far East provided articles on the history, arts, and manners and customs of Japan and was remarkable in that it was illustrated with pasted-in, original photographs, at a time when photomechanical reproduction was still in its infancy.
[7] Significant photographers whose work also appeared in the newspaper included Uchida Kuichi, the elder Suzuki Shin'ichi,[8] and William Saunders.
The same year Black received authorisation to publish articles on government policy and the proceedings of the Daijō-kan (太政官), or Council of State.
Black openly advocated political reforms, including free speech and greater democracy, and as he became increasingly influential the government manoeuvred to silence him, at the same time carefully avoiding any controversy with British officials.
In 1874 the government offered Black the important post of foreign advisor to the Administrative Section of the Sa-in (左院), a chamber of the Daijō-kan, but only on condition that he resign from the Nisshin Shinjishi.