Expat Brit solves pirate ship mysteryーNHK WORLD-JAPAN NEWS

Key Concepts

• Edo Period (Edo Jidai): Japan’s period of isolation (1603-1868) characterized by strict foreign policy.
• Cyprus: The British vessel seized by convicts and sailed across the Pacific.
• Sakoku: The isolationist foreign policy of the Edo shogunate.
• Tokushima Prefecture: The Japanese prefecture where the incident occurred, specifically off the coast of Tbajima Island.
• Historical Detective Work: The process of uncovering historical events through archival research and cross-referencing.

The Mysterious Ship of Tbajima Island

This report details the investigation by British resident Nicholas Russell into a historical incident involving a foreign ship that approached Tbajima Island during Japan’s Edo period. The island, located off the southern coast of Tokushima Prefecture, is home to approximately 50 residents. Russell, having lived on the island for 12 years, became fascinated by a local account of a foreign vessel that appeared during the period of sakoku – Japan’s self-imposed isolation.

The Samurai Account and Initial Clues

The initial information came from a written account left by a local samurai. This account described how the samurai, acting under government orders to repel any foreign ships, used gestures and ultimately gunfire to drive the vessel away. Russell’s investigation was sparked by an illustration accompanying the samurai’s account, which depicted a flag he recognized as the flag of the United Kingdom. He stated, “Seeing the British flag, I felt I absolutely had to investigate this mystery. I thought maybe it's my destiny.”

Research Challenges and Identification of the Cyprus

Russell’s research proved challenging due to the complexities of historical Japanese documentation. He noted, “It was very difficult. Different kanji characters were used with different meanings. The calendar at that time was different as well.” After approximately two years of meticulous study of historical materials, including records from Tokushima’s prefectural archives, Russell identified the ship as the Cyprus, a British vessel.

The Cyprus had a particularly unusual history: it had been seized nearly 200 years prior by convicts escaping from Australia. These convicts had navigated across the Pacific Ocean in pursuit of freedom. Russell’s findings corroborated details regarding the ship’s arrival time, size, and crew numbers, as documented in the prefectural archives.

Connecting Past and Present: Descendant Visits

Russell’s discovery led to a poignant connection between the past and present. Julie Fendley, a descendant of one of the convicts who sailed on the Cyprus, travelled to Tbajima Island with her family. She expressed her emotional response, stating, “You see that's the island thing over there. That's where the ship sailed to. That's where great great great great grandfather was on that ship on the pirate ship. I feel very lucky to be in the same area that he was sailing through. It's amazing. Incredible.”

Reconciliation and a New Chapter of Friendship

Russell facilitated a meeting between Fendley’s family and Yamamoto, a descendant of the samurai who originally guarded the coast and ordered the ship to leave. Yamamoto expressed gratitude for the connection, saying, “I think they would be surprised, grateful that we could have that connection.” The encounter, taking place 195 years after the Cyprus was driven away by gunfire, culminated in a shared tea ceremony, symbolizing a newfound friendship and reconciliation. Russell remarked on the significance of the moment, stating, “It was a moving experience. The ship was driven away by gunfire 195 years ago, and now we're enjoying tea together. It's wonderful.”

Conclusion

The investigation by Nicholas Russell successfully identified the mysterious ship that approached Tbajima Island during the Edo period as the Cyprus, a vessel seized by Australian convicts. This discovery not only solved a local historical mystery but also facilitated a remarkable connection between descendants of both the ship’s crew and the samurai who confronted them, fostering a new chapter of understanding and friendship. The case highlights the power of dedicated historical research to bridge cultural divides and illuminate forgotten stories.