William Adams

William Adams (September 24, 1564–May 16, 1620), also known in Japanese as Anjin-sama (???, "Mr Pilot") and Miura Anjin (????, "the pilot of Miura"), was an English navigator who went to Japan, and is believed to be the first Briton ever to reach Japan.

Character

After fifteen years spent in Japan, Adams's relations with his compatriots were not the easiest. He initially shunned the company of the newly arrived English sailors in 1613, and could not get on terms with Saris.

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However, Cocks, the head of the Hirado factory progressively came to appreciate Adams's character and distincitively Japanese self-control. In a letter to the East India Company:

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I find the man tractable and willing to do your worships the best service he may... I am persuaded I could live with him seven years before any extraordinary speeches should happen between us. (Cocks Diary)

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