The Hidden History of Christianity in Japan
From Its Advent to Its Suppression
A Tale of Faith, Persecution, and Resilience
In the annals of Japan's rich history lies a captivating tale of faith, persecution, and resilience—the story of Christianity in the Land of the Rising Sun.
Francis Xavier, a Spanish missionary, embarked on a perilous journey to Japan in 1549, arriving in Kagoshima to become the first Christian missionary to set foot in the country. His initial attempts to spread the Catholic faith were met with confusion and resistance.
Despite the challenges, Christianity slowly gained ground, with converts from various social strata embracing the new religion. However, in 1620, the Tokugawa shogunate, fearing foreign influence, banned Christianity, enforcing a brutal persecution of its adherents.
Faced with adversity, countless Japanese Catholics chose to practice their faith in secret, becoming known as Kakure Kirishitan (Hidden Christians). They formed underground communities, preserving their beliefs and practices for centuries amidst the threat of severe punishment.
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