Despite repeated protests and an expressed desire to return to Japan, Dembei was taken to Moscow by Vladimir Atlasov in December 1701 or January 1702 and ordered by Peter the Great to teach Japanese to a small group of young Russian men.
Despite numerous appeals and a stated wish to return to Japan, Dembei was transported to Moscow by Vladimir Atlasov in December 1701 or January 1702 and ordered by Peter the Great to instruct Japanese to a small group of young Russian men.