Moriyama Einosuke

In this Japanese name, the family name is Moriyama.
Photograph of Moriyama Einosuke (left).

Moriyama Einosuke (森山 栄之助, July 10, 1820 – May 4, 1872) was a samurai during the Tokugawa Shogunate, and an interpreter of Dutch and English. He studied English under Dutch merchants and Ranald MacDonald, and as “Chief Dutch Interpreter” was one of the chief men involved in the negotiations with Commodore Perry in regard to the opening of Japan to the outside world.

Samuel Wells Williams, a member of Perry's second visit noted in 1854:

“ A new and superior interpreter came with Saborosuke, named Moriyama Yenosuke [...] He speaks English well enough to render any other interpreter unnecessary, and this will assist our intercourse greatly. He [...] asked if Ronald McDonald (sic) was well, or if we knew him. [...] giving us all a good impression of his education and breeding. (Williams, p.120, March 3rd 1854)[1][2][3] ”

Notes

  1. ↑ Sōritsu nijisshūnen kinen ronshū
  2. ↑ Treaties and other international acts of the United States of America
  3. ↑ Native American in the land of the shogun by Frederik L. Schodt p.288

See also


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