Extract from Saris’s Log, 28 August 1613

Leaving Osaka, the onward journey north… “At night having left musters and prizes of our commodities with our Oaste, wee parted from Osaca, by Barck towards Fushimi, where wee arived.” (p.178) Follow their journey here japan400.com/the-british-tour-japan-in-1613/

Extract from Saris’s Log, 27 August 1613

We rejoin the journey from Hirado to Edo, whereby Saris compares Osaka favourably to London … “Wee founde nothinge extroardinarie after wee had passed the straightes of Xemina-seque, vntill wee came to Osaca, where wee arived the 27 daie of … Continued

Extract from Saris’s Log, 7th August 1613

…and they’re off!  Captain Saris, his retinue and William Adams, leave Hirado on their journey to visit the Emperor’s Court… “King Foyne furnished mee with a proper Gally of his owne, rowed with 25 oates on a side, and 60 … Continued

Extract from Saris’s Log, 3rd August 1613

Preparing presents for the ‘Emperour’. Everything has a price…. “Kinge Foyne sent to knowe of what Bulke our kinges Present to the Emperour was, alsoe what number of people I would take with mee, for that hee would provide accordinglie … Continued

Extract from Saris’s Log, 30th July 1613

In which Saris is witness to more gruesome scenes and also a tricky extrication with some Spanish acquaintances of William Adams… “In the morninge one of the younge kinges governours, was by his order cutt in peeces in the streete … Continued

Celebrating 400 years of UK-Japan relations

On the evening of July 18, members from the British Chamber of Commerce in Japan (BCCJ), the Japan British Society (JBS), and the Tokyo Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TCCI) gathered at the Conrad Tokyo to celebrate the four hundredth anniversary … Continued

Extract from Saris’s Log, 19th July 1613

In which a coat is made of English wool (must’ve been hot!)… “The ould king Foyne intreated me for a peece of Poldauis (wool) which I sent him, hee caused it presentlie to be made into Coates which hee, (notwithstandinge … Continued