Mastering Japanese — The Language Skills That Shaped Bakumatsu Politics
Within just a few years of arriving in Japan, Satow acquired a command of Japanese unprecedented among foreigners of the time. He could read even archival classical documents and reached a level where he could negotiate directly with daimyo and shogunate officials without an interpreter. This linguistic ability gave him access to information unavailable to other Western diplomats and had a decisive influence on Minister Parkes's Japan policy. It is said that British diplomacy during the Bakumatsu period could not have functioned without Satow.
Eikoku Sakuron — The Diplomat's Pamphlet That Inspired the Pro-Imperial Movement
In 1866, Satow anonymously published "Eikoku Sakuron" (English Policy). The pamphlet advocated a political system in which daimyo would form a confederation under the Emperor, rather than unified rule by the Shogun. Written in Japanese, the document was widely read by pro-imperial activists in Satsuma, Choshu, and elsewhere, and had a major influence as external validation of the movement to overthrow the shogunate. Though presented as Satow's personal view, it was widely seen as reflecting the British government's intentions.
The "Satow" Coincidence — Not Japanese Despite the Name
Ernest Satow's surname "Satow" is of Slavic (some say German) origin and is completely unrelated to the Japanese surname "Sato." However, this coincidence is said to have worked in his favor during his time in Japan. The familiar-sounding name may have eased negotiations and information gathering. Satow himself reportedly enjoyed the coincidence, and combined with his deep affection for Japan, it is sometimes spoken of as if it were a fateful connection.