Aloha Everyone,
We had an unexpected two days in Civitavecchia (Rome) due to stormy weather. J.J. and I took a shuttle bus from the ship to the port entrance.
The two of us recall hearing the story of what happened when Hasekura and his delegation visited the Vatican seeking an audience with Pope Paul V in 1615. The delegation wanted to open ties with the West.
Hasekura’s efforts failed to materialize. Before his return, Japan imposed Sakoku (the isolation foreign policy). The Shogunate government was no longer receptive to his diplomatic efforts. Unfortunately, Hasekura died of illness two years after returning to Japan.
Aloha -- Cathi
