Christianity in Japan holds a profound and unique history unlike any other in the world. Its journey began in 1549 with the arrival of Francis Xavier, the first missionary, leading to the rapid spread of the faith—primarily in the Nagasaki region. However, a centuries-long ban by the Shogunate forced believers into hiding, where they practiced their faith in secret despite severe persecution and martyrdom. Following the lifting of the ban in 1873, a new chapter of Japanese Christianity began. Our tour invites you to explore this remarkable legacy by visiting the historic sites and sacred cathedrals of the Nagasaki region.     1549: St. Francis Xavier arrives in Kagoshima as the first Christian missionary, marking 　　　the dawn of Christianity in Japan. 1550: St. Francis Xavier travels to Hirado to continue his missionary work. 1551: The first Catholic church in Japan is established in Hirado. 1557: Catholicism is introduced to Ikitsuki and Kasuga in the Hirado region. 1563: Omura Sumitada becomes the first Japanese feudal lord (Daimyo) to 　　　convert to Christianity. 1569: Father Gaspar Vilela establishes the “Todos os Santos” Church, the first 　　　in Nagasaki. 1571: Lord Omura Sumitada opens the Port of Nagasaki to Portuguese trade. 1580: Lord Arima Harunobu converts to Christianity; the first Seminario (seminary) 　　　in Japan is established in Kuchinotsu. 1582: The Tensho Embassy—the first Japanese mission to the Pope in Rome—is 　　　dispatched by Christian …

History of Japanese Christianity…の続きを読む

  Severe oppression began with the Tokugawa Shogunate’s ban on Christianity. Missionaries were expelled overseas, while those who remained in secret were captured and martyred. Konishi Mansho, the last remaining priest during this period, was also martyred in 1644. In the absence of priests, believers maintained their faith by ostensibly pretending to be Shinto or Buddhist. Christian organizations were formed in each village to preserve their teachings, and the faith was passed down from parents to children, and from children to grandchildren for generations.   “Kakure Kirishitan” (Hidden Christians) Even after the ban on Christianity was lifted, some believers chose to continue practicing their faith in the traditional way passed down through the generations, rather than returning to the Catholic Church. These people are known as “Kakure Kirishitan.” The traditions of the Kakure Kirishitan have been preserved in regions such as Hirado, Ikitsuki, the Goto Islands, Sotome, and areas surrounding Nagasaki.  

Hidden Christians from 1612…の続きを読む

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