Who was John Manjiro?
Nakahama Manjiro (1827–1898) was born into a fishing family in Nakanohama, Tosashimizu. In January 1841, at 14, he was lost at sea and rescued by the American whaling ship John Howland. In America he studied English, mathematics, surveying and navigation. He returned to Tosa in 1852, and in 1860 served as an interpreter on the Kanrin Maru.
The 2028 NHK drama "John Man"
NHK announced on April 9, 2026 that its 67th historical drama, "John Man", will air from January 2028, starring Yamazaki Kento and written by Fujimoto Yuki. Filming is planned to begin in early summer 2027.
Nakanohama: his birthplace
In Nakanohama, a stone monument marks his birthplace. His family home, rebuilt from old photographs, is open to visitors for free.
John Manjiro Museum
The museum tells his life through film and exhibits, including a reproduction of the work clothes he wore in America.
- Address
- 303 Yoro, Tosashimizu City
- Hours
- 9:00–17:00 (last entry 16:30), open every day
- Price
- Adults 440 yen / Elementary & junior high 220 yen
- Phone
- 0880-82-3155
Cape Ashizuri and the Manjiro statue
Cape Ashizuri is the southernmost point of Shikoku. From the lookout you see 270 degrees of horizon, and the 18 m lighthouse has guided ships since 1914. On the cape stands a statue of Manjiro holding a compass and a set square, facing America. Kongofukuji, temple 38 of the Shikoku pilgrimage, is also here.
Getting there from Kochi
Take the train from JR Kochi Station to Nakamura Station (JR and Tosa Kuroshio Railway, about 1h 40m), then a bus to Tosashimizu (about 55 minutes), and a bus to Cape Ashizuri (about 30 minutes). Allow three hours or more including transfers. A bus from Kochi City to Tosashimizu takes about 4 hours.
- Kochi → Nakamura
- Train, about 1h 40m
- Nakamura → Tosashimizu
- Bus, about 55m
- Tosashimizu → Cape Ashizuri
- Bus, about 30m
Where to stay
Stay at least one night. Ashizuri Kokusai Hotel in the Ashizuri hot-spring area has an open-air bath facing the Pacific (with dinner and breakfast: 13,200–24,200 yen per person, as listed by the Tosashimizu Tourism Association). The drama is likely to bring more visitors, so book early.
Information checked in September 2026. Times and prices can change, so please check the official sites before you go.
