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Keichō Embassy to Europe

Type Event Region Japan Time 1613–1620

In 1610 Tokugawa Ieyasu sent Hasekura Tsunenaga's Keichō embassy via Mexico and Spain to Rome, the first shogunal diplomatic mission to Europe.

Timeline

  1. 1613Izu · IzuHasekura Tsunenaga led the Keichō embassy by ship from Tago Bay in Izu, carrying Tokugawa Ieyasu's letter, planning to travel via New Spain (Mexico) to Spain and Rome.
  2. 1614–1615Madrid · MadridAfter crossing the Americas the embassy reached Spain, had an audience with King Philip III in Madrid, presented its letter requesting the establishment of trade relations, and received courteous reception from the Spanish side.
  3. 1615–1616Rome · RomeThe embassy reached Rome and had an audience with Pope Paul V at the Vatican, presenting its letter and receiving baptism, becoming a landmark event in direct diplomatic contact between Japan and the Holy See.

Sources