Xu Fu

Background

Xu Fu was a court sorcerer for Qin Shi Huang, who feared death and sought immortality. In 219 BC, the emperor sent Xu Fu with 3,000 virgin boys and 3,000 virgin girls, along with soldiers, crew, and craftsmen, to find the elixir of life from immortals on Mount Penglai. Xu sailed for several years without success. In 210 BC, when questioned, he claimed a giant sea creature blocked his path; the emperor provided archers to kill a giant fish, after which Xu set sail again and never returned.

The Records of the Grand Historian states that Xu Fu reached a place with 'flat plains and wide swamps' and proclaimed himself king. Later texts, including the Records of the Three Kingdoms and Book of the Later Han, say he landed in 'Danzhou,' but its location is unknown. Over 1,100 years later, monk Yichu wrote that Xu Fu landed in Japan and named Mount Fuji as Penglai, forming the basis of the Japanese 'Legend of Xu Fu.'

Did You Know?

• Xu Fu's fleet reportedly included 60 barques with soldiers, crew, 3,000 boys, and 3,000 girls.
• In Saga City, Japan, a place called 'Bubai' (meaning 'floating cup') marks where Xu Fu is said to have landed.