Anjiro

• Distinction: Interpreter

Anjirô was from Satsuma province, from whence he fled to Goa after committing a murder. There he met St. Francis Xavier (1506-1552) and returned to Japan with him as an interpreter. His (at times inaccurate) description of Japan - and in particular her native religions - was of considerable interest to the missionaries at Goa and was much studied. Unfortunately for Xavier, Anjirô’s poor skills as a interpreter proved a hindrance once they arrived in Japan itself.