::WORKS::

Yamada Nagamasa: A Case Study in Historial Bias

Perhaps more fascinating than the man himself, Yamada Nagamasa's story is really about how cultures see each other and how a third culture, the western world, has tried to intercede in the narrative and interpret history. Over the years I've encountered Yamada through discussions with scholars in Thailand. I have read websites about Yamada the Samurai and so forth. The Japanese and western scholars generally lack a grasp of Siam's history and how the Siamese have, since ancient times interacted with foreigners in various capacities due to dynamic international trade. So far the pattern has been: Exotic Samurai Warrior journeys to a mysterious tropical kingdom. Yamada has been recreated by his countrymen, and westerners who still worship the elusive samurai ideal.

Below are some translations which truly are the "raw" notes or fabric which, over time has been used to weave a strange tapestry of history politicized for the sake of modern politics, racism and just plain old misunderstanding.

The following is a translation from:

Satow, Ernest. (1843-1929) trans. by KunJindaSahaGit Lamaay Tanasiri. Chotmaihet ruang thang maitri nai rawang Krung Si Ayutthaya kap Krung Yibun. (Documents Concerning the Relationship between the City of Ayutthaya and Japan). Jinoo Siamworasap Publishers, 1920. (from the Library of the University of Michigan William J. Gedney Collection)

the book was printed on the occasion of the cremation of Nang Sao Lamom SiBunRuang (1893-1919)
it was originally printed in a series of books known as the Meeting of Historical Documents Installment 20

Although the Satow text obviously exists somewhere in its original English form, I chose to translate this text because the writer also adds some interesting insights.

Introduction (summary of major points)

Nang Sao Lamom had written a book on Japanese legends and I (an official at Vachirayaan library) had found a book by Sir Ernest Satow who was the ambassador to Siam. He knows Japanese and had translated historical records regarding Japan's relation to Siam during the era of King Songtham (Songdhamma) and reign of Somdet PhraChetatiraj. I gave this volume to Kun JindaSahaGit.

Introduction by the Translator Kun JindaSahaGit
Nang Sao Lamom had travelled to Japan in 1914 with her father. She researched and translated Japanese legends. However, her book, which was published and widely and sold, only referred to Japan and Siam's economic relationship in very general terms. She only mentioned the warrior Yamada Nagamasa who had served a King of Siam. I decided to meet with Phraya Damrong Rajanupab who informed me of Satow's work...I would like to thank Mr. HootSeng SiBunRuang the owner of Jinoo Siamworasap Publishers and the father of the deceased.

Khun Tiffany's commentary: The teenager, Nang Sao Lamom, approached the topic, it seems from a very romantic perspective. She, a Siamese-Chinese, of the upper merchant class saw the samurai as romantica figures.

Contents
Introduction by Sir Ernest Satow Early Account
The Document by Shogun Ieyasu to the King of Siam
Red Seal Document to Siam
The Letter by Shogun Ieyaso to the King of Siam
Letter by Honda Gosunosuge (Kosunosuke?) Fujiwara Nomasasumi to Okya Phra Klang

Official Document from Ook Phra Chula to the King (ruler of) of Nagasaki (to retain the "feel" of the Thai document, original terms are kept)

I, Ook Phra Chula, have received orders from the King of Ayutthya to communicate to you, Hasekawa Kon roku, the ruler of Nagasaki, that the King of Ayutthya wishes to establish a relationship between Siam and Japan, eternally. Thus, the merchants of our two countries shall reap great benefits. Therefore, He, has sent two ambassadors, one Kun (military rank) Pichit Sombat and one Kun Prasert to present this royal epistle to the ruler of Japan. Once the two amabassadors have arrived at Nagasaki please make accomodations for this epistle and undertake tasks to ensure the convenience and success of this mission. One more issue I must request of you (honored sir) to lead the ambassadors to the capital so that they may present the letter to the ruler of Japan.

Should the ambassadors face any difficulty and they must request your assistance, please help them with all your resources.

I know that the country of Japan has many good breeds of horses. The King of Ayutthya greatly desires [the horses] them but has been unable to acquire them. Should you give horses to the ambassadors the King will be greatly pleased, and I shall never forget your kindness. [The translator KunJindaSahaGit Lamaay Tanasiri, notes that the letter ends here with signatures]

From my orders I have been authorized to provide the following gifts:

10 haab of tin (1 haab = 60 kilograms, so around 600 kilograms)

1 long sword, 1 short sword, 2 rifles to shoot birds, foreign clothe 10 (unit of measurment which can be translated as "fold"), 1 golden tray, a stone with which to rub ink, 600 kilgrams of ivory

1631 (Buddhist Era 2164)

Official Document from Ookya SriThammaraj to Hondamasasumi

The first half of the letter is similar to the Official Document from Ook Phra Chula to the King (ruler of) of Nagasaki. I began translating when I noticed some differences.

...during this occasion we have asked our ambassadors to seek and purchase good horses. If you would kindly help us purchase 3 horse, He would be greatly pleased.

Ayutthya is not wealthy (note the humility in tone even though Japanese immigrants were attracted to the city because of its reknown wealth), thus honored sir, if you wish to desire anything in return, simple make a request. Thus should our countries form a lasting relationship and the ships travel from one place to the other with great ease and business conducted honorably, the result will be the happiness of our peoples and you H ondamasasumi will be looked upon favorably (by your ruler). So I request that you undertake this task with great care.

My king has sent 10 fold foreign clothe to your ruler and also 2 fold foreign clothe to you so you may cherish it as a token of or our relationship.

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