Maps of Japan
This is a map of Japan from the 16thcentury. The text is in Latin which was used on lots of documents at that time.
2
This is a modern map of Japan. Can you match the islands from the 16th century map to this one?
3
C HAPTER 1 ARRIVAL
Sixteenth-century Japan. This was the time of the samurai – highly-trained warriors who protected and fought for lords called daimyo. These daimyo battled each other to rule Japan.
Halfway through the century, people from far-off lands such as Portugal, England and India began to turn up on Japanese shores. These travellers were known as nanban (“southern barbarians”) and they brought with them gold, spices, Chinese silks, weapons and their beliefs.
One daimyo – Lord Oda Nobunaga – became very interested in these nanban. But one particular nanban made an even bigger impression on this lord and on all of Japan …
4
Kyoto, Japan, March 1581. The arrival of nanban in the capital city had drawn a curious crowd from far and wide.
I can’t see! Quit your moaning, Koji. Nor can I.
Careful, Koji. You’ll be trampled on.
GASP!
How extraordinary!
Get off, Nara!
I want to see. This could be our only chance.
I can’t believe my eyes.
Come with me, Koji. I’ve got an idea.
5
Hurry!
Stop!
Help me up, will you? Stop! You’re p u my h ai
You’re pulling my hair.
Only trying to help, sis.
OW! Watch it, that’s my face!
They had never seen such a large crowd in their lives ... or such a strange parade ... or a man like the one at the front of the group.
What are they wearing? Is that a GIANT among them?
6
This was the first time anyone in Kyoto had ever laid eyes on an African man. His arrival sent a wave of excitement through the crowd.
He looks so strong! And he’s so tall!
I wonder where he’s from.
7