About Us

　　　The William Adams Club (WAC) is a relatively informal gathering of enthusiasts who are interested in the story of William Adams and his role in Japanese, British and World history. It was co-founded in 2015 by Robin James Maynard MBE, a British businessman with a long Anglo-Japanese career, and the late Ian de Stains OBE, who spent much of his life in Japan where he worked first as a BBC journalist before becoming the Executive Director of the British Chamber of Commerce in Japan (BCCJ).

Their motivation was to prepare for and recognise that the year 2020 would mark the 400th anniversary of Adams’ death in Japan. Most WAC members have strong British-Japanese or other international connections with Japan, or are otherwise interested in William Adams. These include retired and active academics, authors, diplomats, civil servants, and business people from a wide range of industries including finance, insurance, media and tourism. Members also include descendants of the powerful families, the Tokugawa, Matsudaira and Matsura, that governed Japan and its regions in the Edo Period, and before.

THE WILLIAM ADAMS CLUB

WHO WE ARE

WAC members have strong British-Japanese or other international connections with Japan, or are otherwise interested in William Adams. These include retired and active academics, authors, diplomats, civil servants, and business people from a wide range of industries including finance, insurance, media and tourism. Members also include descendants of the powerful families that governed Japan and its regions in the Edo Period (1603 - 1868) such as the Tokugawa, Matsudaira and Matsura clans.

CLUB MISSION

Primarily to remember and commemorate the life and achievements of William Adams, along with other British and Japanese nationals integral to the history of Japan-British relations, and to encourage tourism to any city, town or other place which has a historical connection with William Adams. To support research into William Adams, promote knowledge about his extraordinary life to the wider public both in Japan and overseas, and to expand and strengthen the worldwide network of those interested in him.

Members

PATRONS

Sir Tim Hitchens KCVO CMG
Paul Madden CMG FRSG
Akira Matsura Esq.
Shinichiro Watari Esq.

FOUNDER & PRESIDENT EMERITUS

Robin James Maynard MBE

LIFE-TIME HONORARY MEMBER

Dr. Richard Irving

CHAIR

Tim Minton OBE

PRESIDENT

Paul Christie

SECRETARY

Michael Brooke

VICE-PRESIDENT & TREASURER

Yasuhisa Tokugawa

COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Thomas Lockley
Simon Farrell

CONTACT US

If you're interested in hearing more about the way we work, have a business proposal, or are interested in making a purchase, we'd love to hear from you.