Meaning: The quote "So that between the Cape of St. Maria and Japan we were four months and twenty-two days; at which time there were no more than six besides myself that could stand upon his feet" is attributed to William Adams, an English navigator and the first Englishman to reach Japan. This quote encapsulates the arduous journey and the toll it took on the crew during their voyage. William Adams, also known as Miura Anjin in Japan, was a key figure in the early English contact with Japan and played a significant role in opening the country to the West.

In the late 16th century, European nations were actively exploring new trade routes and establishing colonies in various parts of the world. During this period, the journey from the Cape of St. Maria (likely referring to the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa) to Japan was a perilous and lengthy endeavor. The quote indicates that it took four months and twenty-two days to traverse this distance, highlighting the immense challenges and hardships faced by the crew during this lengthy maritime expedition.

The mention of only six individuals, besides Adams himself, being able to stand on their feet at the end of the journey emphasizes the physical toll and hardships endured during the voyage. It conveys the extreme difficulties and suffering experienced by the crew, likely due to factors such as malnutrition, scurvy, and the harsh conditions of sea travel during that era. The quote provides a glimpse into the harsh realities of long-distance maritime travel in the Age of Exploration and the resilience required to endure such hardships.

William Adams' journey to Japan is particularly significant due to the impact it had on the subsequent relations between England and Japan. In 1600, Adams arrived in Japan as the pilot of a Dutch ship that was shipwrecked on the coast of Kyushu. He and the surviving crew were initially detained, but Adams quickly impressed the ruling authorities with his knowledge of shipbuilding and navigation. He gained the favor of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder and first shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate, and was instrumental in assisting the shogunate with Western technology and knowledge.

Adams' expertise in shipbuilding and navigation, as well as his diplomatic skills, earned him a prominent position in Japanese society. He was granted the title of "hatamoto," a direct retainer of the shogun, and became a trusted advisor. He played a crucial role in facilitating trade and diplomatic relations between Japan and the Western powers, particularly the Dutch and the English.

The quote attributed to William Adams provides a glimpse into the grueling nature of maritime exploration and the challenges faced by early navigators and sailors. It also serves as a reminder of the resilience and determination required to endure such hardships. Furthermore, Adams' pivotal role in the opening of Japan to the West underscores the profound impact of his journey and the lasting legacy of his contributions to cross-cultural exchange and diplomatic relations.

In conclusion, the quote captures the endurance and suffering experienced during long maritime voyages in the Age of Exploration, while also highlighting the significant historical impact of William Adams' journey to Japan. His role in facilitating diplomatic and trade relations between Japan and the West represents a remarkable chapter in the history of cross-cultural exchange and international diplomacy.