Dan Snow's History Hit

The Real Shogun: The English Navigator Who Became a Samurai

Mar 24, 2024

Explore the captivating story of William Adams, an English sailor turned samurai in Japan. Learn about his rise to influence as an advisor to Tokugawa Ieyasu. Delve into his maritime adventures, examinations, and encounters with foreign relations. Discover the historical accuracy and cultural elements in a samurai TV show, featuring expertise and drama.

55:45

Creator website

Episode guests

Frederik Cryns

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

William Adams rose from English sailor to first Western samurai in Japan.

Adams played a crucial role in introducing Western shipbuilding and diplomacy to Japan.

Deep dives

William Adams' Career in Japan

William Adams arrived in Japan bedraggled and near death but quickly rose to prominence, becoming a direct retainer of Tokugawa Iyasu. Given a lordship in Hemi, he served as a Hatamoto and advisor to Iyasu, exchanging knowledge on shipbuilding and diplomacy. He was instrumental in introducing Western shipbuilding techniques to Japan, leading to the opening of Japan to the world through trade.

Introduction

6min

Exploring the Origins and Early Life of William Adams: From Navigator to Samurai

2min

Maritime Adventures and Confrontations

20min

Insights on William Adams' Examinations with Yair Yost

3min

Exploration and Encounter: Tokugawa Yasu and Foreign Relations

23min

Detailed Discussion on Historical Accuracy and Cultural Elements in a Samurai TV Show

5min

Exploring Drama and History with Expertise

2min

In the year 1600, a bedraggled English sailor and his sick and dying crewmates anchored off the coast of Kyushu, Japan. His name was William Adams, and over the next two decades, he would rise through the ranks of Japanese society to become the first Western samurai. As a close advisor to the revered shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, Adams was a first-hand witness to a defining period in Japanese history.

To hear about Adams' remarkable life, Dan is joined by Frederik Cryns, author of In the Service of the Shogun: The Real Story of William Adams and historical advisor for the Disney+ series, Shōgun.

Produced by James Hickmann and edited by Dougal Patmore.

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Dan Snow's History Hit

The Real Shogun: The English Navigator Who Became a Samurai

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

William Adams' Career in Japan

Interactions with Foreigners and Diplomacy

Personal Life and Tragic End

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts