ABSTRACT
Spain’s interest in developing commercial relations with Japan was initiated with Christopher Columbus’ unsuccessful search, in October, 1492, for the great island of Cipango described by Marco Polo in the thirteenth century. The subsequent introduction of Christianity by Portuguese Jesuits provided that nation with a virtual monopoly for trade and evangelization, as well as substantial influence in the Japanese court. The death of Hideyoshi in 1598 brought Tokugawa Iyeyasu to power as regent. Iyeyasu was greatly interested in commerce and European support since Japan’s trade with China had been closed because of China’s alliance with Korea against Hideyoshi. Vivero presented his stipulations to Kosuke-no-Suke Dono and then left for Bungo to await an answer and prepare to embark for New Spain aboard the Santa Ana. Iyeyasu, considering the burning as a just vengance for Portuguese acts in Macao, continued to seek Spanish friendship and trade, and on January 21 named Fray Luis Sotelo as his ambassador to Spain.
