292 
CBUISE OF H.M.S. GHALLENGEB. 
impossible even to guess at — a worship founded on 
the veneration due to the origin of life. Formerly the 
shrine was richly embellished with votive offerings 
in stone, wood, and paper of all sizes and colours ; 
but visitors from time to time have carried off the 
principal ones, leaving almost a barren house with 
only a few rudely carved offerings. 
Near at hand, on the top of a high hill, in the 
village of Hemi-Mura, are situated the grave and tomb 
of Will Adams (who was the first Englishman to 
visit Japan) and his Japanese wife. A large monu- 
ment marks that of Adams, a smaller one that of his 
wife. Adams was an English pilot, who left Holland 
in one of a fleet of vessels bound on a trading voyage 
to Japan in 1607. After many vicissitudes and great 
sufferings by the crews, only the vessel in which 
Adams was reached its destination. The crew were 
treated at first with great cruelty by the Japanese, 
but afterwards with leniency and kindness. Adams, 
having a knowledge of mathematics and shipbuilding, 
ingratiated himself with the Shogun, who promoted 
him to a high position, and he lived in Yedo, beloved 
by the people, for many years. Not being permitted 
to leave Japan, he took to himself a Japanese wife. 
Adams himself chose this spot for his resting- 
place ; and the people living in Anjin cho (Pilot 
Street), Tokio, defrayed the expense of the tombs and 
lanterns at the grave, and now celebrate an annual 
festival in honour of him on the 15th June. 
