William Adams

Date of Birth: September 24, 1564

Zodiac Sign: Libra

Date of Death: May 16, 1620

Biography

William Adams, born on September 24, 1564, in Gillingham, Kent, England, was an English navigator who is best known for being the first Briton to reach Japan. He was a key figure in establishing early relations between Japan and the Western world. Known as “Miura Anjin” (三浦按針) in Japan, Adams arrived in Japan in 1600 after a treacherous journey aboard the Dutch ship De Liefde. He eventually became a samurai and a confidant of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the shogun of Japan. Adams played a crucial role in Japan’s foreign policy and trade during the early Edo period, assisting in the establishment of trade relations between Japan and the Netherlands. He lived in Japan for the remainder of his life, becoming a respected member of Japanese society.

5 Interesting Facts about William Adams

1. William Adams was the first Englishman to set foot in Japan.

2. He was granted the title of samurai and given two swords, a rare honor for a foreigner.

3. Adams was instrumental in the construction of Japan’s first Western-style ships.

4. He was given a fief in Hemi (now part of Yokosuka City) and the title “Miura Anjin.”

5. Adams married a Japanese woman and had children, integrating deeply into Japanese society.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from William Adams

1. “I do esteem my estate as nothing, for my body must be at one time or another a prey to death.”

2. “I am very desirous to see the manner of your building of ships.”

3. “I have been in Japan fifteen or sixteen years; I am married, and have children.”

4. “He that will live in Japan must not look for much profit.”

5. “I came to Japan of my own free will, and here will I live and die.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

While specific figures are not available, William Adams was granted significant land and income by the shogunate, making him relatively wealthy in his adopted country.