Ep 5. A Samurai in the Vatican

In this episode of Secrets of the Dead titled "A Samurai in the Vatican," the show explores the fascinating story of Hasekura Tsunenaga, a samurai who traveled from Japan to Europe in the early 17th century. Hasekura's journey was unique in that he was one of the few Japanese citizens to visit the continent at a time when the country was isolated from the outside world.

The episode begins by showing how Hasekura's trip was made possible thanks to the support of the Spanish king, Philip III. Hasekura led a delegation of over 100 people on his journey, which took him from Japan to New Spain (modern-day Mexico) and then to Spain itself. From there, he traveled to Italy, where he met with the Pope, Paul V, and presented him with a letter from the Japanese emperor.

The episode's main focus is on Hasekura's time in Italy, particularly his visit to the Vatican. Hasekura arrived in Rome in 1615, and his delegation caused a sensation among the city's residents. The samurai and his men were dressed in traditional Japanese clothing, and they stood out in a city where most people wore elaborate robes and wigs.

The show's producers do an excellent job of bringing Hasekura's story to life. They use a combination of reenactments, historical documents, and interviews with experts to paint a vivid picture of what it was like for the samurai and his entourage to travel through Italy. Viewers learn about the challenges they faced, including language barriers and cultural misunderstandings.

One of the most interesting parts of the episode is when Hasekura meets with the Pope. The samurai presents the pontiff with a letter from the Japanese emperor, in which he requests that the Pope send missionaries to Japan to convert the population to Christianity. The episode explains the historical context of this request, as Japan at the time was deeply divided over whether or not to allow foreigners into the country.

The meeting between Hasekura and the Pope is a fascinating moment in history, and the show does an excellent job of conveying its importance. Viewers learn about the complicated relationship between Japan and the Catholic Church, as well as the political maneuverings that were taking place in both countries at the time.

Overall, "A Samurai in the Vatican" is a fascinating look at a little-known moment in history. The episode is well-produced and engaging, and it does an excellent job of bringing Hasekura's story to life. It's a must-watch for anyone interested in Japanese history or the early days of European exploration.