If you’re into Japanese history, you’ve probably heard of Manjiro!

Here’a brief article about John Manjiro’s life.

I hope you can enjoy reading it.

Birth–
John Manjiro, also known as Nakahama Manjiro, was born in 1827 in Tosa Province (now Kochi Prefecture) in a poor fishing family. His father passed away when he was still a child, leaving his family in difficult financial circumstances. Despite these hardships, Manjiro grew up with a strong will and a sense of responsibility.

Childhood–
From a young age, Manjiro helped his family by working hard. At the age of 14, he became a fisherman to support his household. One fateful day in 1841, while fishing off the coast with four other fishermen, their boat was caught in a violent storm. They drifted far from Japan and ended up stranded on a deserted island called Torishima (Bird Island).

On the island, survival was extremely difficult. With limited food and no fresh water, the group struggled to stay alive. After several months, they were eventually rescued by an American whaling ship commanded by Captain William H. Whitfield. Captain Whitfield took a particular liking to Manjiro, recognizing his intelligence and curiosity.

Youth–
Instead of returning to Japan immediately, Manjiro accompanied Captain Whitfield to the United States, as Japan’s isolation policy at the time made returning home dangerous. In America, Manjiro was given the name “John Mung” and lived with Captain Whitfield’s family in Fairhaven, Massachusetts.

Manjiro attended school in America, where he learned English, mathematics, navigation, surveying, and shipbuilding. He excelled in his studies and became well-versed in Western knowledge, making him one of the first Japanese people to receive formal education in the United States.

After completing his education, Manjiro worked on whaling ships, traveling to places like Hawaii and California. During the California Gold Rush, he even ventured into gold mining, earning enough money to fund his journey back to Japan.

Adulthood–
In 1851, after years abroad, Manjiro returned to Japan with great difficulty due to the country’s strict isolation policy. Despite initial suspicion from Japanese officials, Manjiro’s knowledge of Western technology and culture soon gained him recognition. The shogunate appointed him as an important advisor and interpreter, and he played a significant role in diplomatic efforts.

One of Manjiro’s most notable achievements was assisting in negotiations for the Treaty of Peace and Amity between Japan and the United States in 1854. His understanding of both cultures proved invaluable in establishing peaceful relations between the two nations.

In addition to diplomacy, Manjiro devoted himself to education. He taught English, Western navigation, and shipbuilding techniques, helping Japan modernize its military and maritime practices.

Later Years-
In his later years, Manjiro continued to teach and share his knowledge with younger generations. He strongly believed in the importance of education and worked tirelessly to prepare Japan for a rapidly changing world. Despite his humble beginnings, Manjiro’s experiences abroad and his dedication to his homeland left a lasting impact on Japan’s development.

John Manjiro passed away in 1898 at the age of 71. His remarkable journey from a humble fisherman to a key figure in Japan’s modernization remains an inspiring story of resilience, learning, and international friendship.

Here is a brief summary of Manjiro’s life in a monologue.

Please read his monologue many times and learn about him and a part of Japan and the United States at that time.”

1. I am Manjiro, a man tossed by the waves and carried by fate.
2. When I was young, I went fishing, got caught in a storm, and lost my friends.
3. I drifted ashore in a foreign land.
4. I couldn’t understand the language and felt terribly lonely.
5. But kind people helped me.
6. I learned the language, studied the culture, and survived desperately.
7. Sometimes I forgot who I was.
8. But I never forgot my pride as a Japanese person.
9. I wanted to go home. I missed the sea of my homeland.
10. Eventually, I got the chance to return to my homeland.
11. Tears fell when I saw the familiar scenery.
12. I decided to share the knowledge I learned abroad with Japan.
13. Shipbuilding methods, navigation skills, and foreign cultures…
14. I taught everything to my people.
15. To help Japan enter a new era.
16. My life was carried by the waves.
17. But now, I am grateful for those waves.
18. Because those waves made me stronger.
19. My name is Manjiro, the man who overcame the waves.
20. I will live for Japan.

The translation for Japanese learnners

Let us repeat these sentences many times to learn Jpanese well .

1. 俺は万次郎。波に揉まれ、運命に流された男だ。
2. 幼い頃、漁に出て嵐に遭い、仲間とはぐれた。
3. 流れ着いたのは異国の地。
4. 言葉も通じず、心細くてたまらなかった。
5. だが、親切な人々が俺を助けてくれた。
6. 言葉を覚え、文化を学び、必死に生き抜いた。
7. 時には自分が何者か分からなくなった。
8. でも、心の奥にある「日本人」としての誇りだけは忘れなかった。
9. 俺は帰りたかった。故郷の海が恋しかった。
10. やがてチャンスが訪れ、祖国に帰ることができた。
11. 見慣れた景色に涙がこぼれた。
12. 俺は決めた。異国で学んだ知識を日本に伝えようと。
13. 船の造り方、航海術、異国の文化…
14. すべてを仲間たちに伝えた。
15. 日本が新しい時代を迎えるために。
16. 波に流された俺の人生。
17. でも、今はその波に感謝している。
18. あの波が、俺を強くしてくれたから。
19. 俺の名は万次郎。波を乗り越えた男だ。
20. 俺は日本のために生きていく。