Sendai and the Date clan: a reality behind Keichô Embassy

Abstract

During the still recent four hundredth anniversary of Spanish-Japanese diplomatic relationships, the Keichô Embassy has been promoted almost as a linking event between the two brotherly countries. However, the Japanese's alleged interest in embracing Christianity hid a series of political motivations which had little or nothing to do with a spiritual approach. In this article, we will explain who was Date Masamune, the last promoter of that diplomatic mission, and to what ambitious plans he tried to aspire by sponsoring it.

Durante el aún reciente cuatrocientos aniversario de las relaciones hispano-japonesas la Embajada Keichô se ha promocionado casi como un evento de hermandad que enlaza dos países hermanos. No obstante, el presunto interés de los japoneses por abrazar la cristiandad escondía una serie de motivaciones políticas poco o nada relacionadas con lo espiritual. En el presente artículo explicaremos quién fue Date Masamune, impulsor último de aquella misión diplomática, y a qué ambiciosos planes pretendía aspirar patrocinándola.