The Samurai Who Traveled to Rome: The Hasekura Tsunenaga Embassy

In 1613, Sendai daimyo Date Masamune, known as the 'One-Eyed Dragon,' envisioned expanding Japan's influence. Facing internal strife post-Sekigahara Battle, he sent Hasekura Tsunenaga, a trusted samurai, on a diplomatic mission to Spain and Rome. The goal: Secure trade in silk, silver, and weapons, bypassing Portuguese monopolies.

With 180 retainers, including interpreter Luis Sotelo, they boarded Spanish galleons in Usuki. Departing October 28, they crossed the Pacific, arriving in Acapulco, Mexico, after 100 grueling days. Storms and scurvy tested their endurance from day one.

In New Spain (Mexico), Hasekura was baptized as 'Felipe Francisco Hasekura' and received warmly. The group trekked to Mexico City, then Veracruz, sailing to Europe via Cuba. They faced shipwrecks and illnesses; numbers dwindled rapidly.

Arriving in Spain in 1615, King Philip III hosted banquets. Hasekura's exotic armor and manners captivated courts in Seville and Madrid. Yet, trade talks stalled over Japan's anti-Christian edicts, foreshadowing failure.

October 1615: Hasekura reached Rome, the first Japanese to do so. Pope Paul V blessed the embassy, granting audience in St. Peter's. They presented gifts like golden screens, but Vatican urged more missionary access—unacceptable to Japan.

After 8 months, promises of trade remained vague. Hasekura, disillusioned, began the return voyage in 1616, via France and back to Asia. Only 55 survivors limped into Manila in 1620.

Reaching Sendai in 1620, Hasekura reported failure: Shogun Tokugawa banned Christianity, dooming the mission. Date Masamune exiled him; Hasekura died in obscurity around 1622.

Today, his story symbolizes early globalization. Statues in Sendai and Rome commemorate the 400th anniversary (2013). It highlights Japan's fleeting openness before 220 years of isolation.

Hasekura's embassy predates Columbus's return by over a century in reverse. It shows samurai not just warriors, but diplomats in a connected world.

In 2026, amid Japan-EU trade pacts, it reminds us of deep historical ties. Visit digital archives or Sendai's Date Museum for artifacts from the voyage.