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Born the son of a poor fisherman in Nakanohama village, Tosa Province (Kochi Prefecture), John Manjiro was caught in a storm while out fishing in 1841 at age 14, and drifted with five companions to the uninhabited island of Torishima. After 143 days, they were rescued by the American whaling ship "John Howland," and Captain Whitfield, recognizing his talent, brought him to Fairhaven, Massachusetts. He mastered English, mathematics, navigation, and surveying, and gained worldly experience by participating in whaling voyages. He returned to Japan in 1851 and became involved in interpreting negotiations for the Convention of Kanagawa (1854) in service to the shogunate. He was later taken into service by the Tosa domain and greatly influenced Sakamoto Ryoma and others. He also participated in the Kanrin Maru's Pacific crossing (1860) and taught English and navigation at Kaisei School (predecessor of the University of Tokyo). He compiled the English textbook "Eibei Taiwa Shokkei," becoming a pioneer of English education in Japan. Known by the affectionate name "John Manjiro," he was an extraordinary individual who crossed the ocean to help prepare the dawn of the Meiji era.

Intensely curious with extraordinary learning ability. Despite being a fisherman's son, he received higher education abroad and became a bridge between two cultures. A rare individual combining adventurous spirit with adaptability.

A pioneer of US-Japan exchange. His role in introducing American culture and technology to isolationist Japan was immense. A monument stands in Fairhaven, and he is revered in both countries as a symbol of friendship.