The Japanese Mission to Europe, 1582-1590: The Journey of Four Samurai Boys Through Portugal, Spain and Italy

• VerfasserIn: Cooper, Michael
• Place / Publishing House: [Place of publication not identified] : Global Oriental, 2005
• Year of Publication: 2005
• Language: English
• Physical Description: 1 online resource (288 pages)
• Notes: Bibliographic Level Mode of Issuance: Monograph

Following the pioneering work of Francis Xavier in establishing Christianity in Japan, in early 1581, Alessandro Valignano decided to send a legation to Europe representing the three Christian daimyo of Kyushu. The purpose of this mission was twofold. It would give Europeans the chance of seeing Japanese people at first hand and appreciating their culture; in this way the expedition would publicize the work of the Japanese Church and increase financial aid from Europe. Conversely, on their return to Japan the envoys would give to their fellow countrymen eyewitness reports on the splendours of Renaissance Europe, thus broadening the Japanese view of the outside world and moderating existing notions about foreign barbarians. It might benefit the impoverished Japanese mission financially and thus promote its expansion. Two Christian samurai boys were chosen as legates together with two teenage companions, and they sailed from Nagasaki in February 1582. After a journey lasting more than two years, the foursome reached Europe and began travelling through Portugal, Spain and Italy. They met King Philip II and his family several times, and in Rome were befriended by the elderly Pope Gregory XIII and his successor Sixtus V. During their progress through Italy the Japanese were lavishly welcomed with speeches, banquets, balls and spectacular firework displays; large crowds gathered to see them solemnly process through the streets, while church bells rang out and cannon fired in salute. The authorities in Venice even postponed the annual festival in honour of St Mark, the city's patron, so that the Japanese might view the spectacle.

Table of Contents

pt. 1. The legation is planned -- Christianity in Japan -- Preparing the legation -- pt. 2. The journey to Europe -- Passage to India -- From India to Europe -- pt. 3. Through Portugal and Spain -- Portugal -- Spain and 'the most potent monarch' -- From Alcalá to Alicante -- pt. 4. Rome and the two Popes -- The road to Rome -- The papal audience -- The stay in Rome -- The new Pope -- pt. 5. Further travels in Europe -- Bologna and Ferrara -- Carnival of Venice -- From Padua to Genoa -- Spain and Portugal revisited -- pt. 6. The return to Japan -- The return journey -- Reception in Japan -- pt. 7. Summing up -- Assessment of the enterprise.