When it comes to Christianity in Japan, most people probably recall only fragments—names and history taught in school such as "Francis Xavier," the "Christian daimyo," and the "fumi-e" (image-treading), along with the history of persecution.
For many people living today, these are simply items of "knowledge," and the chances that they will expand upon or make use of them in the years ahead are close to nil. Today, freedom of religion is enshrined in the Constitution, and in Japan no one faces discrimination or persecution for belonging to any faith.
Yet had the history leading up to the present, or the state of world affairs, been even slightly different, freedom of religion might still not be recognized today. The more one learns of the history of the persecution of Christians in Nagasaki and the Goto Islands, the more one shudders at its cruelty—while at the same time being deeply moved and encouraged by the power of faith.
In Nagasaki and the Goto Islands, there is a story of faith that burned on quietly.
Wrapped in sea breezes, these lands are the home of the "Hidden Christians" who held fast to their faith through more than 250 years of persecution.
In 1549, when Christianity was brought to Japan by Francis Xavier, it spread rapidly, centered on Kyushu. Nagasaki became a hub of missionary work; many people were baptized, and not only ordinary believers but also many Christian daimyo emerged.
In 1614, however, the Tokugawa shogunate banned Christianity. Missionaries were expelled, and torture and execution awaited Japanese believers. The "Twenty-Six Martyrs of Japan," executed in 1597 on the hill of Nishizaka in Nagasaki, stand as a symbol of that faith.
The persecuted believers moved to remote places such as the Goto Islands, and while disguising themselves as Buddhists or Shinto worshippers, they preserved their prayers—the "Orasho"—by oral tradition and continued to baptize their children.
Under the ban on Christianity, cruel tragedies were repeated again and again: outbreaks of arrests known as "kuzure" (collapses) occurred in various places, believers were captured and tortured, and some were cut down to test the blades of new swords.
The Christian cave pictured above can still only be reached by boat. Hidden Christians fleeing the persecution of the "Goto Kuzure" took refuge in this small cave. It is said, however, that a passing boat offshore happened to spot the smoke from their fire, and they were captured.
In the Meiji era, when freedom of religion was granted, they began to profess their faith openly and built many beautiful churches, such as Oura Cathedral (Nagasaki) and Kashiragashima Church (Goto). Today these are inscribed as World Heritage Sites.
To journey through this land is far more than mere sightseeing. Mass in a seaside church, family stories told by local believers, sacred objects once hidden beneath the floorboards—every one of them is an experience that resonates deeply in the heart.
A pilgrimage to feel the "flame of faith" that was never extinguished even under oppression. Perhaps a new light will be kindled in your heart as well.
The appeal of this region is not faith alone. There is also an abundance of local cuisine, such as the smooth, silky Goto udon, the flying fish (ago) used to make its broth, and fresh oysters delivered from the sea.
The sun setting into the East China Sea quietly soothes the heart, offering a view fitting for the close of your journey.
Won't you set out with us on a journey of history and faith?
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At Amitai Travel, we offer "custom-planned tours" (made-to-order travel), in which we craft your travel plans based on your requests.
From pilgrimage tours and Holy Land tours for churches and religious organizations to family trips, class reunions, company trips, school excursions, and sightseeing at home and abroad, we arrange made-to-order travel to suit a wide range of needs. Please feel free to contact us first of all.
https://www.amitai-travel.com/
