With one sale, the Portuguese created a market for regular trade between the two countries.
These were the first “modern” firearms seen in Japan, and the weapons became much sought after. The first trade between Japan and Portugal occurred in 1543, when Tanagashima Tokitaka purchased “firelocks” from Portuguese merchants. The Black Ship carries European cannons, powerful enough to destroy any Japanese ship that might threaten it! Obviously, it would be a magnificent prize! Fortunately, it is heavily armed, strongly built and a good sailer. As a consequence, it passes the Japanese coast twice, and is a tempting target for the notorious wako pirates. This Portuguese trade ship carries goods to China once a year before returning to Europe. The Black Ship is a heavily armed trader, usually carrying valuable cargo. 1 The Black Ship is a galleon in Total War: Shogun 2.
