Births on December 23

Martin Opitz, German poet and composer (d. 1639)

Martin Opitz von Boberfeld (23 December 1597 – 20 August 1639) was a German poet, regarded as the greatest of that nation during his lifetime.

5 Feb

Twenty-six Martyrs of Japan
A group of early Japanese Christians are killed by the new government of Japan for being seen as a threat to Japanese society.
24 Jun

Banten (town)
The first Dutch voyage to the East Indies reaches Banten, Java.[citation needed]
26 Oct

Battle of Myeongnyang
Imjin War: Admiral Yi Sun-sin routs the Japanese Navy of 300 ships with only 13 ships at the Battle of Myeongnyang.