Historical Event Timeline
1841-1860
John Manjiro
Nakahama "John" Manjiro
January 27, 1827 – November 12, 1898, Manjiro was one of the first Japanese citizen to visit Hawaii and also study at Oxford school in the town of Fairhaven Massachusetts, he became an important translator between the United States during the Opening of Japan. In 1841 he and four fellow fishermen were caught in a storm at sea and shipwrecked on the deserted island of Torishima. Nearly six months later, the American whaler ship John Howland, commanded by Captain William H. Whitfield, rescued them. Over the next six months, as the ship continued to hunt whales in Japanese waters, Manjiro Nakahama began to learn English and to assist the whalers. Captain William Whitfield took a strong liking to the eager young man. When they reached Hawaii, the other four Japanese were left with officials in Honolulu; Nakahama, now known as “John Manjiro” (nicknamed "John Mung"), wanted to stay on the ship.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nakahama_Manjir%C5%8D
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nakahama_Manjir%C5%8D
Manjiro studied English and navigation for a year. After whaling in the South Seas, the Franklin returned to the port of Honolulu in October 1847, where Manjirō reunited with his four friends. They were not allowed to return to Japan, for this was during Japan’s period of isolation when leaving the country was an offense punishable by death. Manjiro made many friends in Honolulu such as businessman Samuel Damon whom described Japan in his news paper “The Friend” as “That unknown quarter of the globe.”
Manjiro purchased a whaleboat, the Adventure, which was loaded aboard the bark Sarah Boyd (Captain Whitmore) along with gifts from the people of Honolulu. They sailed on December 17, 1850 and reached Okinawa on February 2, 1851. The three were promptly taken into custody, although treated with courtesy. After months of questioning, they were released in Nagasaki and eventually returned home to Tosa where Lord Yamauchi Toyoshige awarded them pensions. Manjirō was appointed a minor official and became a valuable source of information.
Manjiro purchased a whaleboat, the Adventure, which was loaded aboard the bark Sarah Boyd (Captain Whitmore) along with gifts from the people of Honolulu. They sailed on December 17, 1850 and reached Okinawa on February 2, 1851. The three were promptly taken into custody, although treated with courtesy. After months of questioning, they were released in Nagasaki and eventually returned home to Tosa where Lord Yamauchi Toyoshige awarded them pensions. Manjirō was appointed a minor official and became a valuable source of information.
Map of Nakahama Manjiro's travels. 1850s. Tokyo National Museum.
In 1860, Nakahama Manjirō was a member of the Japanese Embassy to the United States.
President Buchanan welcoming the Japanese Embassy.
_Manjiro.jpg)
White House reception for Manjiro in 1860.
Manjiro’s descriptions of his travels painted a new picture of the United States for the late Tokugawa and early Meiji eras. He helped to dispel many misconceptions, and especially devoted himself to teaching his countrymen about American democracy, independence, freedom, and equality. Manjiro is believed to have influenced the architects of the Meiji Restoration and the modernization of Japan.
https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Nakahama_Manjir%C5%8D
President Buchanan welcoming the Japanese Embassy.
White House reception for Manjiro in 1860.Manjiro’s descriptions of his travels painted a new picture of the United States for the late Tokugawa and early Meiji eras. He helped to dispel many misconceptions, and especially devoted himself to teaching his countrymen about American democracy, independence, freedom, and equality. Manjiro is believed to have influenced the architects of the Meiji Restoration and the modernization of Japan.
https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Nakahama_Manjir%C5%8D