History of Japanese Christianity
Christian history in Japan was started when St. Francis Xavier came to Japan as a first Christian
missionary in 1549. Then Christianity was spread in Nagasaki region. However, unparalleled
hidden Cristian history was started from when Toyotomi Hideyoshi Shogunate proclaimed Christian
ban in 1587. During ban on Christianity, people secretly continued to faith while surviving in the
midst of the conventional society and Japanese religions.
Since ban on the Christianity was lifted in 1873, new Christian history in Japan has begun.
1549 St. Francis Xavier came Kagoshima Japan as a first Christian missionary and
commenced the Christian history in Japan
1550 St. Francis Xavier came Hirado as a Christian missionary
1551 Catholic Hirado Church was constructed as first church in Japan
1557 Introduction of Catholicism to Ikitsuki, Kasuga in Hirado
1563 Omura Sumitada, feudral lord of Nagasaki who was first lord convert to Christianity
1569 Todos os Santos Church was constructed as first in Nagasaki
1571 Nagasaki Port was opend to Portugal by feudral lord Omura Sumitada
1580 Arima Harunobu, lord of Arima convert to Christianity and the Seminario was
established in Kuchinotsu as first in Japan
1582 Arima Harunobu teamed up with Kyushu Christian lords Otomo Sorin and ura Sumitada
to dispatch the Tensho Mission to the Pope in Rome
1587 Shogunate, Toyotomi Hideyoshi proclaimed Christian ban
1590 The Tensho Mission retured to Nagasaki
1597 The Twenty-Six Martyrs of Japan, were a group of Catholics who were
executed by crucifixion on February 5 at Nagasaki. Their martyrdom is especially
significant in the history of the Catholic Church in Japan.
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1603 Tokugawa Shogunate was established and the natioanl isolation policy was appied
1614 The Tokugawa Shogunate prohibited Christianity throughout Japan
Continue Christian faith during the ban period in the following hidden Christian sites resistered on
the UNESCO World Hiritage Sites
・Kasuga Village in Hitado
・Ikitsuki in Hirado
・Goto island
・Amakusa
1622 five Christians were martyred at Nakae no Shima in Hirado
1624 three Christians were martyred at Nakae no Shima in Hirado
1627 twenty seven Christians were martyred at Unzen Jigoku
1637 Shimabara Rebellion : a peasant uprising agaist bakufu’s persecution of Christians
under the leadership of Amakusa Shiro
1637 Lorenzo Luiz from Philippines martyred at Nashizaka hill in Nagasaki
1641 Dejima, the small artificial island was opened as Dutch trading port in Nagasaki
1644 Last Christian missionary in Japan is martyred
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1862 The 26 Japanese Martyrs at Nishizaka Hill in Nagasaki were canonized by Pope Pius IX.
1865 Oura Cathedral was built as the basilica of Martyrdom of the 26 Saints of Japan
1868 Meiji Restoration : led to enormous changes in Japan’s political and social structure and
spanned both the late Edo period and the beginning of the Meiji period.
1873 Ban on the Christianity was lifted
1882 Shitsu Church in Sotome construction started by Father de Rotz’s design
1909 Shitsu Church was completed
1914 Urakami Cathedral construction was compleeted, it was the largest Catholic church in East Asia
at that time
1912 Yamada Church in Hirado was constructed
1917 Tabira Church in Hirado was construted
1920 Kurosaki Church was completed by Father de Rotz’s design
1931 St. Francis Xavier Memorial Church in Hirado was constructed at the present location
1945 Atomic bomb dropped in Nagasaki on Aug. 9
The most part of Nagasaki was destroyed, and a tremendous number of lives were lost.
and Urakami Cathedral was completely destroyed.
About 73,000 died instantly, and up to 60,000 were injured.
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1950 Pope Pius XII designated the Nishizaka Hill in Nagasaaki of Martyrdom of 26 Japanese
Saintsas an official Pilgrimage site for Catholics
1959 Urakami Cathedral replacement was built
1981 Pope John Paul II visited in Nagasaki
1982 Saint Teresa of Calcutta commonly known as Mother Teresa visited in Nagasaki
1987 Satint Lorenzo Ruiz was canonized by the same pope in the Vatican city on 18 October,
making him the first Filipino Saint
2000 Ebdo Shusaku ( novelist of Silence ) Literary Museum is opened in Sotome
2018 Hidden Christian site is registered on UNESCO’s World Heritage
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2019 Pope Francis visited Nagasaki on Nov.24 and and calls for a ‘world without Nuclear
Weapons’ at the Ground Zero.
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Nagasaki travel guide
The city in harmony with foreign countries cultures
Nagasaki-city has many oversea countries cultures and the significant Japanese histories
like no other areas. The fascinating Nagasaki-city has been created since Japan began exchanging
with foreign countries during the National isolation period. In addition to above features, the
geographical conditions are creating fascinating tourism and now many tourists are visiting here.
Historical features
1)National isolation in Japan
Nagasaki is the only place opened to oversea countries ( just Dutch and China ) during the
National isolation period from 1639 to 1854.
And trading with Dutch was done at artificial island Dejima.
2) Christian Pilgrimage sites
Japan’s unique practice of the Christian faith continued in Nagasaki region even during the ban
on Christianity from 1587 to 1859.There are many Christian Pilgrimage site and
Hidden Christian Sites in Nagasaki region is registered on UNESCO’s World Heritage in 2018.
3) Japan’s Industry modernization
Shipbuilding, and Coal Mining, industries in Nagasaki were great contributed Japan’s Industry
modernization. And 5 sites of these industries are registered on UNESCO’s World Heritage as
Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution
4) Atomic bomb
The Atomic bomb exploded at 11:02 a.m. on August 9, 1945.
The most part of Nagasaki was destroyed, and a tremendous number of lives were lost.
Nagasaki is now appealing for World Peace, Disastrous War must not be repeated.
Exploring Nagasaki
Glover Garden / UNESCO World Heritage
Located on Minami-Yamate hill in Nagasaki-city, Glover Garden has nine Western style buildings
including the Glover’s Residence built in 1863 and is Japan’s oldest wooden Western–style building
registered on the UNESCO World Heritage. The elegant scenery of Nagasaki harbor view from
Glover Garden can be enjoyed.
Tomas Glover Residence, World Heritage |
Former Mitsubishi second dock house |
Overlooking of Nagasaki harbour |
Established in 1955 near the Ground Zero where the Atomic Bomb was dropped at 11:02 am on
Aug. 09, 1945. Peace Memorial Ceremony is held in front of the statue on August 9 every year and
the Mayor of Nagasaki makes the “Nagasaki peace declaration” for the whole world.
The museum exhibits a number of photograph that depict the devastation caused by atomic
bomb showing the lead-up to this tragic day, the history of the development of nuclear arms
and our desire for peace.
Atomic Bomb Museum |
Exhibits a number of photograph |
Paper folded cranes wishing for World Peace |
The plutonium atomic bomb exploded about 500m over the central monument at 11:02 a.m.on
August 9, 1945. The most part of Nagasaki was destroyed, and a tremendous number of lives
were lost. And about 70,000 of Nagasaki’s 240,000 residents died instantly, and up to 60,000
were injured.
The time, Atomic bomb was exploded |
Atomic bomb exploded over the central monument |
Ruin of destroyed Urakami Cathedral |
Completed in 1955, ten years after the atomic bombing. The 9.7 meter high statue sitting on
a 4 meter tall pedestal, made by renown sculptor Kitamura Seibo who born in
Minami-Shimabara-city, Nagasaki-prefecture in 1884. The raised arm points to the threat of
nuclear weapons and the out-stretched arm symbolizes peace.
Visiting from all over Japan and the World |
Wishing for eternal World peace from Nagasaki |
Peace Fountain, reminds the tragic scene after the Bomb |
Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution UNESCO World Heritages sites
The origin of Japan’s modernization is here. Under the growing sense of crisis over a foreign
menace, Nagasaki supported the introduction of Western countries technology, which started
during the last years of Japan’s National isolation period. With “ Dejima ” as the only window
to West during the period of National isolation. Nagasaki contributed for Shipbuilding and Coal
Mining and 7 sites have been registered on the UNESCO World Heritage.
Glover House |
Hashima island / Gunkan-jima island |
Giant Cantilever Crane
|
Christian Pilgrimage sites in Nagasaki
Oura Cathedral / UNESCO World Heritage
The Cathedral is one of the significant Christian Pilgrimage site in Japan.
Established 1865, this church is officially known as “Oura Cathedral, the Church of 26 Martyrs.”
It was built by the French priest Bernard Petitjean of Fier who had been dispatched by the Foreign
Missionary Church of Paris to dedicate prayers to the 26 saints martyred on Nishizaka hill.
Entrance gate of Oura Cathedral |
Japan’s oldest Gothic-style Cathedral building |
Statue of Mary, at entrance of Cathedral, installed in 1867 |
Martyrdom of the 26 Saints of Japan
Nishizaka hill is the most significant Christian Pilgrimage site in Japan. The 26 Martyrs of Japan
were a group of Catholics who were executed by rucifixion on February 5, 1597.Their martyrdom
is especially significant in the history of the Catholic Church in Japan. In 1637, St. Lorenzo Luiz
from Philippines martyred here at Nishizaka hill.
Nishizaka hill, the site of Martyrdom in 1597 |
The martyrs said that ” All people, bless God ” |
The 26 Japanese martyrs have been canonized in 1862 |
The museum behind the monument is devoted to the memory of the martyrs and to Christianity in
Japan in general. Its interior is reminiscent of a church with stained-glass windows, making for
atmospheric viewing of the exhibits. On display are artifacts related to Christianity in Japan,
including old documents, statues and jewelry.
Saint Lorenzo Luiz from Philippines |
Pope Francis visited Nagasaki in 2019 |
The 26 Martyrs Museum |
Sotome Pilgrimage sites / UNESCO World Heritage
Sotome is a rural, coastal area on the peninsula north of central Nagasaki. During the ban
on Christianity, Sotome was home to communities of “Hidden Christians”, many of whom
emigrated there from other parts of Nagasaki as the remote region allowed them to practice
their religion in secret.
Shitsu Church |
Former Shitsu Aid Centre |
The statue of Mary |
Featured destinations
World’s three great night veiw can be seen from the summit |
The oldest stone arch bridge in Japan |
Magnificent view of Nagasaki, on the other side of Mt. Inasa |
Only the trading port in Japan during Natinal isolation |
Newly constructed church, after destroyed by Atomic bomb |
The first Chinese style temple in Nagasaki |
One of the three big China town in Japan |
The world’s only Confucian shrine built outside China by Chinese hands |
The spiritual and cultural hub for the citizens of Nagasaki
|
Elegant international & domestic tourist harbour |
A Chinese temple to pray for safe navigation |
Nagasaki-prefecture is the birthplace of pearls |
Location of Nagasaki-city
General information
Address | City hall : 2-22 Sakura-machi, Nagasaki-city, Nagasaki-prefecture |
Access |
2 hours and 40 minutes by a vehicle from Kitakyushu-city 2 hours by a vehicle from Fukuoka-city 1 hour and 30 minutes by a vehicle from Saga-city 1 hour and 30 minutes by a vehicle from Shimabara-city 1 hour and 10 minutes by a vehicle from Unzen-city 1 hour and 10 minutes by a vehicle from Sasebo-city
2 hours and 20 minutes by JR express train from JR Hakata Station |
Transportation |
Tram : Convenient transportation system for sightseeing in Nagasaki-city Almost all the tourist attractions are located within walking distance from tram station |
Population | 418,000 Population density 1,030 |
Your equiry can be sent by selecting the Enquiry Form link below.
You can also contact us by e-mail at info@japan-kyushu-tourist.com
And we would love to chat about your travel plans on the phone as well,
please ring our office a call in English Tel : +81-93-521-8897
Tour results
We are offering various types of tours, and the tour results up to now are shown links below.
Tailor-made tour Study tour Golf tour
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Study tours to Nagasaki
Nagasaki–city has many oversea countries cultures and the significant Japanese histories
like no other areas. The fascinating Nagasaki-city has been created since Japan began exchanging
with foreign countries during the National isolation period. In addition to above features, the
geographical conditions are creating fascinating tourism and now many tourists are visiting here.
Because Nagasaki has the following various historical features, offer many themed Study tours
1) National isolation in Japan
2) Christian Pilgrimage sites
3) Japan’s Industry modernization
4) Atomic bomb
Where to learn
We are offering various type of study tour utilizimg the following learning resources, and historical
aspects. Feature of our study tour is the tailor-made in accordance with customer
requirement of learning.
Dejima was the fan-shaped artificial island in the bay of Nagasaki where was used as a Dutch
trading port and it was only open gateway to Europe during Japan’s National isolation of Edo
period from 1641 until 1853. At that time, many European technologies and cultures were
introduced here through Dutch.
Fan-shaped artificial island, was built in 1636 |
Building of residence, cooking room, warehouse |
The old Dejima seminary, a Christian theological school |
Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution UNESCO World Heritages sites
The origin of Japan’s modernization is here. Under the growing sense of crisis over a foreign
menace, Nagasaki supported the introduction of Western countries technology, which started
during the last years of Japan’s National isolation period. With “ Dejima ” as the only window
to West during the period of National isolation. Nagasaki contributed for Shipbuilding and Coal
Mining and 7 sites have been registered on the UNESCO World Heritage.
Glover House |
Hashima island / Gunkan-jima island |
Giant Cantilever Crane
|
Christian Pilgrimage sites
The unique testimony to the tradition of people and their communities who secretly transmitted their
faith in Christianity while surviving in the midst of the conventional society and its religions during
the time of prohibition.
To show how Christians have been continued their faith since 26 martyrs were crucified in Nagasaki in 1597 |
To visit Nagasaki, Shimabara and Unzen. Shimabara was the Battle field of Shimabara Rebellion |
To visit Sotome, Nagasaki Unzen, Shimabara, Amakusa Kumamoto and Hirado |
World Peace learning
Disastrous War must not be repeated. The Atomic bomb exploded in Nagasaki at 11:02 a.m.
on August 9, 1945. Let us swear World Peace in Nagasaki.
Peace Statue |
Ground Zero |
Atomic Bomb Museum |
Your equiry can be sent by selecting the Enquiry Form link below.
You can also contact us by e-mail atinfo@japan-kyushu-tourist.com
And we would love to chat about your travel plans on the phone as well,
please ring our office a call in English Tel : +81-93-521-8897
Related sites to the Study tour
Study tour to Kyushu Study tour to Kitakyushu History of Industrial modernization
History of Japanese Christianity
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