Japanese dignitary researches local legend

Published 5:00 pm Wednesday, September 18, 2002

Japan’s Consul-General Tadashi Nagai visited Astoria Monday to research Astoria historical figure Ranald MacDonald. MacDonald was born in Fort George, now Astoria, in 1825 and became the first English teacher in Japan.

Next year marks 150 years since the U.S. Navy’s Commodore Matthew Perry visited in 1853 after an extensive time of isolation when only Dutch were allowed to trade with the country, Nagai said.

MacDonald, however, arrived in Japan in 1848 – six years before Perry. Nagai said he is researching MacDonald’s story to present it during the celebration.

“He’s not very well known (in Japan),” Nagai said. “That’s why I want to promote him.”

Nagai has been based in Portland at the consulate of Japan since January. His visit included a trip to the Astor Public Library where he received a copy of a Japanese language glossary compiled by MacDonald. He also viewed a monument to MacDonald, written in English and Japanese, on the corner of Exchange and 15th streets, toured the MacDonald exhibit at the Clatsop County Historical Society Heritage Center and attended an Astoria Rotary Club luncheon.