Meaning: The quote "So in process of four or five years the emperor called me, as divers times he had done before" is attributed to William Adams, an English navigator and explorer who is best known for his role in the opening of Japan to the West in the early 17th century.

William Adams, also known as Miura Anjin in Japan, was born in Gillingham, Kent, England, in 1564. He became a skilled navigator and shipbuilder, and in 1598, Adams joined a Dutch expedition to the East Indies as the pilot of the ship De Liefde. The expedition encountered a violent storm and was forced to seek repairs and supplies in Japan. However, due to the strict policy of sakoku (isolation) enforced by the Tokugawa shogunate, Japan was closed to foreign contacts during that time.

When the crew of De Liefde arrived in Japan in 1600, they were initially treated as enemies and taken into custody. However, Adams, with his knowledge of shipbuilding and navigation, gained the favor of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder and first shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate.

The quote reflects the passage of time and the gradual integration of William Adams into the Japanese society. Over the course of four or five years, the emperor, possibly referring to Tokugawa Ieyasu, called upon Adams multiple times. This indicates the trust and respect that Adams had earned from the Japanese authorities, despite initially being a captive.

Adams' experiences in Japan are recounted in his personal letters and the accounts of his contemporaries. His assimilation into Japanese culture and society was remarkable, as he not only became a trusted advisor to the shogun but also received the prestigious title of hatamoto, a direct retainer of the shogun, and was granted a fief in Hemi, near present-day Yokosuka.

The quote also highlights the significance of Adams' interactions with the Japanese authorities in the context of the larger historical narrative of early European contact with Japan. His knowledge and expertise in shipbuilding and navigation played a crucial role in the development of the Japanese maritime capabilities, and his presence contributed to the exchange of knowledge and technology between Japan and the West.

Adams' legacy extends beyond his individual experiences. His role in facilitating diplomatic and trade relations between Japan and the Netherlands, as well as his influence on Japanese society, has been the subject of historical scholarship and cultural interest. His story is often cited as an example of successful cross-cultural adaptation and collaboration in a time of significant geopolitical and cultural shifts.

In conclusion, the quote attributed to William Adams reflects the gradual integration and acceptance of the English navigator into Japanese society, as well as the significance of his interactions with the Japanese authorities during a pivotal period of history. The story of William Adams serves as a compelling example of cross-cultural exchange and the impact of individual agency on historical events.