November 20, 2021
Q- What do you get when you mix Japan, Spain, & Mexico?
A- A story that warms your cockles
When we first started coming to Chiba a few years ago I didn’t really understand the cactus motif, along with Mexico flags flown.
It wasn’t long after I found out the reason. The relationship goes back to 1609. Think about that. 170 some years earlier than the U.S. The event that precipitated this connection is commemorated by a tower on a cliff overlooking the sea.
Way back in 1609, Spain ruled the Philippines. A ship, the San Francisco, carrying the Governor of the Philippines, Don Rodrigo, was returning to Mexico was caught in a typhoon and ended up running aground at the Iwawada coastline.
Among the 373 crew members, 56 perished. The 317 survivors were rescued by women shell divers who resuscitated and kept them warm by holding them close to their bodies.
The rescued stayed at a temple for 37 days at the decision of Tadatono Honda, lord of Ohtaki Castle. They also visited Edo (Tokyo) Castle to meet the 2nd shogun of the Tokugawa dynasty, Hidetada, and traveled to Shizuoka to see the 1st shogun of the Tokugawa dynasty, Ieyasu.
In 1610 they returned safely to Mexico in a boat built by an Englishman given a Japanese name Miura Anjin.
This shipwreck became the genesis of a long-lasting friendly relationship between Japan, Spain & Mexico, not to mention cacti figures nearby the Iwawada coast.
Although I had absolutely nothing to with the kindness and compassion given to those 317 people that survived, it makes me walk a bit more upright as I feel good to be part of a community that had a historically positive effect on international relations. Furthermore, this group of angels on earth wasn’t looking how many followers it would get from this act of humanity but just reacting and doing what was morally necessary.
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Japan Series- Orix vs. Yakult
No one saw this coming.
And if they said they did they lie.
It’s going to be Orix in 5 games.
The pitching is too strong.
Yoshida is back to strengthen lineup.
Kudos to Orix pitching and batting coaches. They have gotten results out of players overlooked by every other team and lack the funds to buy players. Why didn’t I buy that cool Orix jacket back in May when I went to Hotto Motto Stadium?….ahhh the chicken sticks.
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Songs I’m listening to-
(More 80s reminiscing)
Laura Branigan- Gloria
Spandau Ballet- True
Scandal- The Warrior
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