Secrets of the Dead

A Samurai in the Vatican

In 1613, feudal lord Date Masamune sent a Japanese diplomatic mission to Europe to negotiate with the Pope and the King of Spain in hopes opening a new trade route. Led by samurai Hasekura Tsunenaga and Franciscan monk Luis Sotelo, the expedition spent seven years traveling one-third of the globe.

A Samurai in the Vatican

55m 30s

In 1613, feudal lord Date Masamune sent a Japanese diplomatic mission to Europe to negotiate with the Pope and the King of Spain in hopes opening a new trade route. Led by samurai Hasekura Tsunenaga and Franciscan monk Luis Sotelo, the expedition spent seven years traveling one-third of the globe.

Previews + Extras

  • Preview | A Samurai in the Vatican: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Preview | A Samurai in the Vatican

    S19 E5 - 32s

    In 1613, feudal lord Date Masamune sent a Japanese diplomatic mission to Europe to negotiate with the Pope and the King of Spain in hopes opening a new trade route. Led by samurai Hasekura Tsunenaga and Franciscan monk Luis Sotelo, the expedition spent seven years traveling one-third of the globe.

  • A Samurai's Christening Affects Global Trade Routes: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    A Samurai's Christening Affects Global Trade Routes

    S19 E5 - 2m 52s

    In Spain, samurai Hasekura Tsunenaga was baptized and christened Felipe Francisco Hasekura. This new identity for the Japanese ambassador would potentially unlock a new trade route between Japan and New Spain. However, King Philip III ultimately passed the responsibility for approving the trade route onto the Vatican, leaving Hasekura to seek the Pope's approval.

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