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[–] 68 points 2 weeks ago (1 child)

Sakoku in Japan started in the 1630s where basically no one was allowed to leave (and anyone coming back, even if Japanese blown of course in a boat or something, could be put to death).

After some poking around, it seems like some Japanese were in New Spain in 1613-1614, but I can't find anything about mercenaries/guards (especially not large numbers of them). Is there a source?

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  • [–] 74 points 2 weeks ago (1 child)

    You make some interesting points, but I choose to believe a random screen shot.

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  • [–] 19 points 1 week ago (1 child)

    Until the 1630s, it's not impossible for that group to exist; that part is fine (though I should also fact-check the katana part since, for a long time, it was bows and maybe even guns by that point).

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  • [–] 4 points 1 week ago (1 child)

    A well made katana is still going to be a status symbol. They might still keep it for keepsake and for reminding them of home that they cannot return to. And if you have marshal prowess why not be a mercenary? And if you're in foreign land and they are already using firearms, you have to adapt.

    It sounds plausible to me at least.

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