Tenjiku Tokubei facts for kids
Tenjiku Tokubei (born in 1612, died around 1692) was a brave Japanese traveler and writer from the 1600s. He explored places in Southeast Asia and South Asia. Because he traveled to India, he earned the nickname "Tenjiku," which was an old Japanese name for India.
Tokubei was born in a town called Sendo-machi, which is now part of Hyōgo Prefecture in Japan. His father worked as a salt seller.
A Young Adventurer's Journeys
When Tokubei was fifteen years old in 1626, he started working for a trading company in Kyoto. He began his exciting travels on special Japanese ships called Red Seal Ships. These ships were given permission by the Japanese government to trade with other countries.
In 1627, Tokubei sailed to China, Vietnam, and Siam (which is now Thailand). He spent some time in Siam. He even sailed on a ship owned by a Dutch adventurer named Jan Joosten van Lodensteijn. Tokubei also journeyed to India, visiting the famous Ganges River. He returned to Japan with many valuable goods and incredible stories from his travels.
When Tokubei came back to Japan, the country began a strict policy called Sakoku, which meant Japan closed its borders to most foreign travel and trade. After this, Tokubei wrote a popular book about his adventures. It was called "Tenjiku Tokai Monogatari," which means "The Tale of Crossing the Sea to India."
Tokubei lived to be about 80 years old and passed away in his hometown of Takasago.
Tokubei as a Kabuki Hero
Tenjiku Tokubei became a very famous character in Japanese theater. He appeared in Kabuki plays and Joruri puppet shows. In these plays, he was often shown as a powerful magician. Many artists in the 1700s and 1800s created woodcut prints of him.
For example, in September 1795, an actor named Kunitaro played the role of Tokubei's wife in a play. Another actor, Arashi Koroku III, played Tenjiku Tokubei himself.
Images for kids
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Tenjiku Tokubei, a 17th-century painting.
