History of Science

Japanese Sailors and the Currents of History

The Black Current: Japan’s Gateway to the Americas

The Pacific Ocean’s Black Current, known as the Kuroshio, has played a pivotal role in the migration of people and cultures across the vast expanse of the Pacific. For centuries, the current has swept Japanese sailors and fishing vessels towards the shores of the Americas, leaving an indelible mark on the history and cultures of both continents.

Ancient Japanese Voyagers

Around 6,300 years ago, a cataclysmic volcanic eruption on the island of Kikai in southern Japan forced the indigenous Jomon people to seek new lands. Driven by the Black Current, they embarked on a perilous journey across the Pacific, eventually reaching the shores of Ecuador, Central America, and North America.

Evidence of this ancient Japanese migration can be found in pottery shards, DNA, and viruses discovered in archaeological sites throughout the Americas. These artifacts suggest that the Jomon people brought with them advanced technologies and cultural practices, which influenced the development of indigenous societies.

Japanese Castaways in Hawaii

Throughout history, Japanese vessels have been swept off course by the Black Current, resulting in numerous shipwrecks and castaway events. One of the most well-known incidents occurred around 1260 CE, when a Japanese junk drifted to Maui, Hawaii.

The survivors of this shipwreck were welcomed by the local chief, Wakalana, and their descendants eventually intermarried with Hawaiian royalty. This led to the introduction of Japanese cultural elements into Hawaiian society, including pottery, silk spinning, and metalworking.

Japanese Influence in North America

Japanese castaways also played a role in the development of Native American cultures on the mainland. Archaeological excavations have uncovered Japanese artifacts in Oregon, Washington, and New Mexico. These finds suggest that Japanese sailors and fishermen made landfall in North America and interacted with indigenous populations.

In the 14th century, a group of Japanese castaways is believed to have founded the Zuni Nation in New Mexico. The Zuni people possess unique cultural traits that distinguish them from other Puebloan tribes, supporting the theory of Japanese influence.

The Hyōryō: Japanese Seafarers Adrift

Over the centuries, hundreds of Japanese vessels drifted across the Pacific, driven by the Black Current. These ships, known as hyōryō, often carried crews of skilled craftsmen, artisans, and traders.

In many cases, the hyōryō survived their perilous journeys and reached land. They established new communities, intermarried with local populations, and introduced Japanese technologies and customs to the Americas.

The Tokujo Maru and the Opening of Japan

In 1813, the Japanese junk Tokujo Maru was swept away by the Black Current and drifted for over 500 days. The survivors were eventually rescued by an American ship and returned to Japan.

The Tokujo Maru’s captain, Jukichi, kept a secret diary of his travels, which provided valuable insights into Japanese society and culture. This diary influenced Japanese scholars and paved the way for Commodore Matthew Perry’s expedition to Japan in 1854, which ultimately led to the opening of Japan to foreign trade and diplomacy.

The Legacy of the Black Current

The Black Current has been a powerful force in shaping the history and cultures of the Pacific Rim. It has carried Japanese sailors, fishermen, and castaways across vast distances, leading to the exchange of ideas, technologies, and cultural practices between Japan and the Americas.

The evidence of ancient Japanese migration and the ongoing influence of Japanese castaways in the Americas provides a fascinating glimpse into the interconnectedness of human history and the enduring power of ocean currents.