Everything Everywhere Daily: The Tensho Embassy (Encore) – Detailed Summary
Podcast Information:
- Title: Everything Everywhere Daily
- Host/Author: Gary Arndt | Glassbox Media
- Description: A daily podcast for intellectually curious individuals, exploring intriguing stories about people, places, and events from around the globe and throughout history. Covering a wide range of topics including history, science, mathematics, anthropology, archaeology, geography, and culture.
Episode Highlight:
- Title: The Tensho Embassy (Encore)
- Release Date: February 23, 2025
Introduction
In this encore presentation of Everything Everywhere Daily, host Gary Arndt delves into the fascinating tale of the Tensho Embassy—the first Japanese diplomatic mission to Europe in the late 16th century. This episode explores the intricate journey of four young Japanese envoys sent by Lord Otomo Sorin, a Japanese nobleman, aiming to revolutionize Japan-Europe relations.
Accidental Encounters and Early European Influence in Japan
The story begins with an accidental event that set the stage for cultural exchanges between Japan and Europe. In 1543, a Portuguese ship was wrecked on Tanegashima Island in southwest Japan due to a typhoon. This unintended arrival had profound implications for Japan:
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Introduction of Firearms: The Portuguese introduced firearms to Japan, which the Japanese subsequently referred to as Tanagashima.
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Initial Trade and Christian Influence: Early trade led to the introduction of Christianity. The Japanese initially perceived the Portuguese as coming from India, mistaking Christianity for an Indian religion, unaware of Europe's existence.
Notable Quote:
"The Japanese at first thought that the Portuguese were from India and that Christianity was some sort of Indian religion. They had no clue what or where Europe was." — Gary Arndt [08:45]
The Jesuit Mission and Alessandro Valignano’s Reforms
In 1549, Francis Xavier, a key figure in the Society of Jesus (Jesuits), arrived in Japan to evangelize. The early missionary efforts were ineffective due to cultural insensitivity and language barriers. The turning point came with Alessandro Valignano's arrival in 1579, who implemented significant reforms:
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Cultural Adaptation: Valignano emphasized respecting Japanese customs. He converted a Buddhist monastery into a Catholic seminary without altering its traditional design, allowing Jesuit priests to adopt Buddhist monk attire and cuisine.
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Language Proficiency: He mandated a rigorous two-year Japanese language course for all new missionaries, ensuring effective communication and deeper cultural integration.
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Successful Conversions: His strategies led to the conversion of key daimos (feudal lords), notably Omura Sumitada, who granted the Jesuits control over Nagasaki, facilitating trade and mission funding.
Notable Quote:
"He overhauled language instruction for the Jesuits in Japan, many of whom could barely speak Japanese. All new missionaries were required to take a two-year intensive course in Japanese." — Gary Arndt [10:15]
The Birth of the Tensho Embassy
Valignano faced the challenge of altering the European perception of Japan from barbaric to cultured. Inspired by a meeting with Oda Nobunaga, Valignano devised a plan to send a Japanese delegation to Europe:
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Selection of Envoys: Four young Christian daimos’ sons, aged around 14, were chosen to represent Japan. The group was led by Ito Mancito, accompanied by Miguel Chijiwa, Giuliano Nakura, and Martino Hara.
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Mission Objectives: The envoys were to showcase Japan’s cultural richness to Europe and return with Christian insights to bolster the Catholic mission in Japan.
Notable Quote:
"Valignano thought that this was a great idea, but then he realized that he shouldn't be the one to present it to the Pope. It should be presented to the Pope by Japanese Christians." — Gary Arndt [12:30]
The Voyage to Europe
The Tensho Embassy set sail from Japan on February 20, 1582, under the guidance of Valignano. Their journey included significant stops:
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Initial Stops: Macau, Malacca, Koshi, and Goa, where Villagnano departed, leaving Father Nuno Rodriguez to accompany the boys.
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Educational Endeavors: Onboard, the envoys received lessons in Latin and Japanese, ensuring they maintained their cultural roots while acquiring new knowledge.
Notable Quote:
"They received lessons in Latin and in Japanese from a Japanese Jesuit who came with them. They were admonished not to neglect their studies in their mother tongue." — Gary Arndt [14:10]
Arrival and Reception in Lisbon
After two and a half years, the Tensho Embassy reached Lisbon on August 10, 1584. Their arrival was met with grandeur:
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Warm Welcome: The boys were greeted with a grand tour of Lisbon, introduced to prominent figures like Albert VII, Archduke of Austria, and the Viceroy of Portugal.
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Cultural Exchange: They unveiled a silk tapestry from Oda Nobunaga, symbolizing Japan's cultural heritage. This display surprised them as they thought Europe was indifferent to Japan.
Notable Quote:
"On August 10, we reached the port of Lisbon. The flood of joy we experienced as we entered that port is almost beyond the power of words to express." — Gary Arndt [16:50]
Impact in Spain and the Spanish Court
The embassy continued to Spain, making significant impressions:
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Madrid’s Fascination: In Madrid, the envoys were celebrated for their exotic Japanese attire, drawing large crowds.
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Meeting King Philip II: A formal audience with King Philip II resulted in the presentation of official documents and valuable cultural exchanges, including tailored Japanese-style garments for the Spanish royalty.
Notable Quote:
"Philip was fascinated by the boys and asked them countless questions about their country." — Gary Arndt [18:35]
Triumphs in Italy and Rome
The journey proceeded to Italy, culminating in Rome:
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Reception by the Pope: Upon arriving in Rome on March 22, 1585, the envoys were hailed as "Magi" and received a formal meeting with Pope Gregory XIII.
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Official Honors: Although Pope Gregory XIII passed away shortly after their arrival, the new Pope Sixtus V honored the envoys by making them knights in the Order of the Golden Spur during his coronation.
Notable Quote:
"In the formal meeting with the Pope, they finally presented him with the tapestries which were gifted by Oda Nobunaga." — Gary Arndt [21:00]
Return Journey and Changing Dynamics in Japan
The return voyage began in April 1586, taking a longer route back to Japan, arriving on July 21, 1590. Upon their return:
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Political Shifts: The new imperial regent had expelled the Jesuits, necessitating Valignano’s intervention to reconcile and share European knowledge.
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Envoys’ Fate: The four envoys eventually faced varied destinies under the burgeoning Tokugawa Shogunate, which later banned Christianity. Their stories include martyrdom, exile, and legacy within the Catholic Church.
Notable Quote:
"Despite the grand plans for the Tensho Embassy, it had very little long-term impact on either Japan or Europe as the Tokugawa Shogunate closed off Japan from the outside world." — Gary Arndt [23:15]
Legacy and Conclusion
The Tensho Embassy, while a monumental effort in cultural diplomacy, did not yield lasting changes due to Japan’s subsequent isolationist policies. Nonetheless, the embassy remains a remarkable historical episode demonstrating early global interactions and the complexities of cross-cultural exchanges.
Notable Quote:
"It wouldn't be another formal delegation sent by Japan to Europe for over 250 years." — Gary Arndt [24:50]
Final Thoughts
Gary Arndt meticulously narrates the Tensho Embassy’s journey, highlighting the significance of cultural understanding and the challenges inherent in such diplomatic missions. The episode underscores the fragile nature of intercultural relations and the long-lasting impacts of political shifts on international diplomacy.
This summary captures the essential elements and insights from the episode "The Tensho Embassy (Encore)" of Everything Everywhere Daily, providing a comprehensive overview for listeners and enthusiasts interested in historical diplomatic missions between Japan and Europe.