Persecution of Christians in Japanese History

From 1550-1560 Christian missionaries started arriving in Japan. At initially they have been welcomed as the ruling Shogunate hoped it would make superior trade relations with the west, specifically Spain and Portugal. The shogunate also hoped that Christianity would enable lower the influence of Buddhist sects which have been gaining energy. On the other hand, the Shogunate was suspicious of colonialism and have been conscious the Spanish had taken more than the Philippines immediately after converting the population.

Francis Xavier, a Jesuit missionary, had results converting substantial numbers of the population and even quite a few Daimyo, regional warlords. In 1587 Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the Shogun, banned Christian missionaries to gain extra handle more than Christian Daimyo. Ten years later, in 1597, Toyotomi Hideyoshi ordered the crucifixion of nine Catholic missionaries and seventeen Japanese converts, like 3 young boys. Just after getting raised on crosses they have been then pierced with spears. These twenty-six Christians are Nowadays identified as the Twenty-six Martyrs of Japan (Nihon Nijuroku Seijin). The Sakoku Edict of 1635, issued by Shogun Tokugawa Iemitsu, incorporated strict regulations forbidding Christianity. Everyone located practicing the faith, or engaging in missionary activities, would face execution or exile.

It was not till 1873, beneath Emperor Meiji, that freedom of religion was promulgated. Emperor Meiji sought to do away with the closed-door policies of the previous and westernize Japan. Having said that, in the years preceding Planet War II State Shinto was enforced. The target of State Shinto was to market the uniqueness of Japan and the divinity of the Emperor. Christians, and Buddhists as properly, have been persecuted beneath State Shinto.

Due to the fact Planet War II the number of Christians (Kirishitan) in Japan has been gradually increasing. It is estimated there are Currently about one million Christians in Japan, around 1% of the population, of several regular denominations. Currently most Christians reside in west Japan exactly where the activities of the 16th century missionaries was greatest.

Alton Trevino lives in Japan and enjoys writing around Japanese history and culture. Please take a look at the immediately after pages to study extra around religion in Japan and exciting information around japan.