I need to look up the name but I recall a man receiving the same rights as the samurai in Japan. I need to look this up however, so I will return.

Edit: Well that was quick; I have returned. Apparently the man was William Adams, an English sailor. Upon arriving in Japan he ended up helping the first Shogun, Tokugawa Ieyasu, build Japan's first Western style ships. He also became the Shogun's official interpreter and received the status of a samurai. He even received a new name: Miura Anjin.

tom cruise duh