The English Samurai Who Opened Japan

The English Samurai Who Opened Japan

Constant Wonder - Season 2022, Episode 985 , Segment 1

The Shipwrecked Englishman Who Became a Samurai

Episode: The Shipwrecked Englishman Who Became a Samurai

  • May 3, 2021 6:00 pm
  • 36:48 mins

When William Adams landed in Japan in 1600, little was known about the country beyond Marco Polo’s centuries-old rumors. He gained the favor of the shogun with his knowledge of ships and quick mastery of Japanese etiquette, eventually playing an essential part in opening Japan to the Western trade world. Guest: Giles Milton, author of "Samurai William: The Englishman Who Opened Japan"