Date Masamune, the famous feudal lord from Japan’s Sengoku period, is known for his forward-thinking and his openness to western influences. One of the remarkable aspects of his leadership was his understanding of the importance of communication with foreign powers.
Masamune became one of the first Japanese leaders to engage with Europeans, particularly the Spanish and the Portuguese, who were arriving in Japan during his time. He understood that learning their language would not only help in trade but also in forming alliances and understanding their technologies.
In 1613, he even sent a delegation to the Americas to establish trade relations and foster diplomacy. His ability to speak English and Spanish played a crucial role in these endeavors, highlighting his vision of expanding his domain’s influence and keeping them competitive on a global scale.