Although it is unlikely that Dembei had any significant knowledge of Japan's politics or military organization or anything else that might prove particularly strategic to the Russians, it roused Russia's interest for exploration of Kamchatka and the Kurils, and for attempting to open up trade with Japan.
Some time between 1714 and 1719, he met traveller John Bell, who gave the following account: ...I saw at St. Petersburg a young man, a native of Japan, who, I believe, is yet alive in the Academy of Sciences at that place.
That his father and himself, with a few persons more, being at a noted town called Naggisaky, on the west coast of the island, employed about some affairs of trade, and having finished their business, intended to return to their own habitations, on the north shore, by sailing round the coast.
Therefore went they on board a small boat, and begun their voyage homeward; but, meeting with a strong gale off the land, they were unfortunately driven out to sea; and, in a few days, were cast upon the coast of Kamtzatsky, half-starved, and in the greatest distress.
In this condition they met with a Russian officer, who afforded them all that assistance which common humanity dictates on such occasions.