The Real Story Behind Shogun TV Show: William Adams - English Samurai
Kings and Generals・12 minutes read
William Adams, an English navigator, became a trusted ally of Tokugawa Ieyasu, Japan's greatest Shogun, after a perilous journey to Japan. Adams played a crucial role in breaking the Portuguese trade monopoly in Japan, establishing Dutch trade, and advising Ieyasu on Western matters, eventually leading to the expulsion of Portuguese Jesuits.
Insights
- William Adams, an English navigator, earned the trust of Tokugawa Ieyasu, Japan's prominent Shogun, due to his expertise in mathematics, navigation, and shipbuilding, which led to his remarkable appointment as a samurai with significant responsibilities.
- Adams' pivotal role in breaking the Portuguese trade monopoly in Japan, establishing Dutch trade relations, and advising Ieyasu on Western affairs showcases his lasting impact on Japan's history, shaping the Tokugawa Shogunate's policies and foreign relations, ultimately resulting in the expulsion of Portuguese Jesuits.
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Who was William Adams?
William Adams was an English navigator who became a trusted ally of Tokugawa Ieyasu, Japan's greatest Shogun, in the 17th century.
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Summary
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William Adams: English Samurai in 17th Century Japan
- Japan in the 17th century was a mysterious land with enigmatic Lords who allowed few foreigners, making the stories of foreign individuals who became influential in Japan remarkable.
- William Adams, an English navigator, became a trusted ally of Tokugawa Ieyasu, Japan's greatest Shogun, after a perilous journey to Japan.
- Adams was born in Gillingham, England, apprenticed to a shipyard master, and later served in Sir Francis Drake's fleet during the Spanish Armada attack.
- In 1598, Adams joined a Dutch merchant fleet on a mission to plunder Spanish and Portuguese possessions in South America, but after losses, they decided to sail to Japan.
- After a treacherous journey, Adams and his crew arrived in Japan in 1600, where they were initially met with suspicion and hostility by the locals and Jesuit priests.
- Tokugawa Ieyasu recognized the value of Adams and his crew, bringing them to Osaka Castle for safety and extracting valuable information from Adams about the outside world.
- Adams impressed Ieyasu with his knowledge of mathematics, navigation, and shipbuilding, leading to his appointment as a samurai, with a high rank, land, and responsibilities.
- Adams played a crucial role in breaking the Portuguese trade monopoly in Japan, establishing Dutch trade and advising Ieyasu on Western matters, eventually leading to the expulsion of Portuguese Jesuits.
- Adams died in 1627, leaving a legacy in Japan's history, influencing the Tokugawa Shogunate's policies and the country's relations with foreigners, with his story popularized in Western literature and media.
