Audiences

Megalomania of Nobunaga
- Reference to Cartas, 1598, II, ff. 62-62v (See also Frois' Segunda Parte, chap. 40).
- Azuchi Castle, significant location.
- Situated on the banks of Lake Biwa, northeast of Miyako.
- Change in missionaries' attitude towards Nobunaga noted between writings.
Death of Nobunaga, June 21, 1582
- Reference: Cartas, 1598, II, f. 65 (See also Frois' Segunda Parte, chap. 41).
- Detailed account by Frois of events leading to Nobunaga's assassination.
- Nobunaga caught off guard at Honnōji temple in Miyako by Lieutenant Akechi Mitsuhide (1526-1582).
  - Akechi immediately sacks Azuchi Castle.
  - He distributes part of riches to major Zen temples in Miyako.
- Akechi’s failure to capitalize on the situation leads to his defeat by Hideyoshi's forces at Yamazaki.
- Akechi’s execution by peasants within two weeks of Nobunaga’s death, earning him the title Mikka-kubō (Three-Day Shōgun).

Occasion: Japanese New Year, February 1.
Nobility customarily visits kings (9th-20th days of the month) to present gifts.
Nobles in Miyako strictly observe this custom due to Yoshiteru's position as supreme emperor.
Gifts typically include:
- Ten quires of paper (larger than European quire).
- Golden fan or other valuable presents.
Nobles visit Yoshiteru’s mother and queen in the same manner.
- Some nobles present costly gifts and weapons.
Audience detail:
- Yoshiteru does not converse but gestures slightly with his fan, honoring important bonzes.
- Lower-ranking individuals cannot visit him regardless of gifts.
Frois and Father Vilela present gifts including a glass mirror, a hat, cane, amber, and musk.
Journey to the palace:
- About a quarter of a league from their residence along straight, level roads.
- The palace surrounded by a deep moat.
- Entrance bustling with courtiers and horses.
Descriptive account of the palace:
- Beautiful wooden architecture with gold-woven tapestries featuring lilies and birds.
- Floors adorned with elegant mats.
Noteworthy interaction when Yoshiteru wishes to see the cope worn by the visiting Father Vilela after noticing its novelty.

Group Journey with Pero Gonçales to present letters to the king.
Pre-arranged gift sent in advance to the king’s attendants.
Audience proceeded as follows:
- Hideyoshi seated on a chair; nobles seated on the floor.
- Refreshments served by the king himself.
- Each guest received silken garments akin to gowns.
- Hideyoshi personally delivers a speech highlighting his divine right to rule, recounting a significant birth story.
- "When I was born, a sunbeam fell on my chest; diviners foretold I would be the ruler of all between east and west."
- Announcement of subjugation of all Japan and recent conquests.
- Warns that noncompliance from Luzon will not be tolerated; dining halls filled with foreign emissaries in the grip of his authority.
Issues of obedience and friendship discussed:
- Fray Gonçalo bravely requests permission to address Hayashi, emphasizing they only pledge obedience to God.
- Hideyoshi receptive towards the notion of friendship.
Conclusion of audience:
- Hideyoshi gives dishes made of gold and serves them tea, showcasing the lavishness of the banquet.

Arrival of Captain Don Luis de Navarrete Fajardo, ambassador from Manila.
Accompanied by Diego de Sousa as a substitute for the ambassador.
Presents for the king include an elephant and portraits.
The elephant’s presence triggers astonishment; the king and nobles gather to observe.
Hideyoshi shows fascination with the elephant’s intelligence, exemplified during feeding episodes.
Policy enforced towards the ambassadors with entertaining duties followed by requests for an audience.

Arrival is described as an arduous journey, presenting unique embellishments of Yeyasu as a ruler.
Initial queries about the ambassador's land and reason for visiting Japan.
- Emphasis on advancing trade and commercial interaction with Ieyasu.
Religious discourse initiated by Ieyasu, inquiring about beliefs held by the visitors.
Exchange leads to a binding invitation for future visits, showcasing mutual respect.
Promoting better conditions for returning ambassadors to maintain bilateral relations.

Subsequent meetings including trade discussions and shipbuilding request to the ambassador Will Adams.
Highlighted the favor gained through successful endeavors such as constructing ships, which leads to presents and yearly stipends.
Description of princely duties along with lavish settings and protocol followed during these encounters.

Vivero y Velasco’s detailed description of the palace environment and audience protocol.
Exemplified the hierarchy and order among courtiers during the introduction and gathering of nobility.

Arrival noted for the organized procedure, guest gathers notable reception from numerous nobles and dignitaries.
Development of rigorous etiquette detailed during audience with the prince.
- Considerable bows made as marks of obeisance and respect in interactions with nobility.

Elaborations on audiences during various visits, emphasizing the political, social, and cultural significance of the interactions between foreign ambassadors and Japanese rulers.
Documents referenced include respective accounts by notable figures such as Frois, Vizcaino, Cocks, among others, highlighting diverse experiences and observances during these presentations at court.
Scholars have contributed detailed analyses of these passages for deeper understanding of the historical context surrounding the globalization influences, particularly in the realms of diplomacy and trade in Japan during these eras.