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Samurai William: The Englishman Who Opened Japan

Duncan Cox

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In the year 1600, a small English ship called the Liefde arrived in Japan after a perilous journey across the Pacific Ocean. On board was a young Englishman named William Adams, who would go on to become one of the most influential foreigners in Japanese history.

Samurai William: The Englishman Who Opened Japan

by Giles Milton

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	12472 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
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Print length	:	373 pages

Adams was born in Gillingham, Kent, in 1564. He was the son of a shipwright, and he learned the trade from his father. At the age of 24, he joined the crew of a Dutch ship bound for the East Indies. After several years of sailing, the ship was wrecked off the coast of Japan. Adams and his fellow crew members were taken prisoner and brought to the capital, Edo (now Tokyo).

At first, Adams was treated with suspicion by the Japanese. He was a foreigner, and he came from a country that was unknown to them. However, Adams was a skilled craftsman, and he soon impressed the Japanese with his knowledge of shipbuilding and navigation. He was also a quick learner, and he soon mastered the Japanese language.

Adams's skills and intelligence caught the attention of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the powerful shogun who ruled Japan at the time. Ieyasu was impressed by Adams's knowledge of the world, and he saw him as a valuable asset to his kingdom. He granted Adams the status of samurai, and he gave him a piece of land in the village of Hemi, near Edo.

Adams spent the rest of his life in Japan. He became a close advisor to Ieyasu and his son, Tokugawa Hidetada. He helped to modernize Japan's shipbuilding industry, and he played a key role in the development of Japan's foreign trade. Adams also introduced Western culture to Japan, and he is credited with bringing the first Western books and scientific instruments to the country.

Adams died in Hemi in 1620. He was 56 years old. He was buried in a Christian cemetery in Nagasaki, and his grave is still there today. Adams's legacy lives on in Japan, where he is remembered as a pioneer and a hero.

The story of William Adams is a fascinating one. It is a story of adventure, courage, and friendship. It is a story that reminds us that anything is possible if we set our minds to it.

If you are interested in learning more about William Adams and his adventures in Japan, I highly recommend reading the book Samurai William: The Englishman Who Opened Japan by Giles Milton. This book is a well-researched and engaging account of Adams's life and times. It is a book that will transport you to another time and place, and it will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the power of human connection.