In 1600 the storm-battered Dutch merchantman de Liefde dropped anchor in Japan off the southern island of Kyushu. Its English navigator William Adams (1564-1620) became a closer advisor to the new Shogun, Tokugawa Ieyasu. Adams was given command of Japan’s merchant fleet, expanding maritime trade between the island nation and faraway ports of call in Monsoon Asia.  Because Adams constantly poured over his maps and checked his compass, Japanese crew members called their captain the Needle-Watcher.

I was always fascinated by the Will Adams story. In looking to name a new entity providing research and guidance in highly specialized fields, Adams’s shipboard nickname seemed appropriate. Our aim is to honor the example of historic navigators as makers, advisors and facilitators in helping those seeking guidance to reach their goals.

–James L. McElhinney, Essex, New York

Needlewatcher LLC & Needlewatcher Editions. Post Office Box 233. Essex, New York. 12936. Text/moble 347-266-5652.  info@needlewatcher.com, Open by appointment

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