Christianity in Japan

Christianity was introduced to Japan in 1549 by Francis Xavier, a Spanish priest. It flourished by because of the encouragement of lords who were interested in the Nanban (Spain, Portugal) trade.
But soon after, in 1587, the Anti-Christian Edicts of Toyotomi Hideyoshi banned them and brought about the Shimabara conflict. Shimabara Christians fought against the Shogunate. It was also called a religious war.
The Meiji government finally recognized religious freedom in 1873.



The ‘Daimyoumachi church’ in Fukuoka was build in 1896(2-7-7 Daimyou, Chuo-ku, near the Grand Nishitetsu Hotel). Weddings are sometimes done. An International mass is held every Sunday 4 pm. Many Filipinos participate in this mass. Anyone can join in the singing of the beautiful hymns.

(by a member of Fukuoka SGG Club / Mar.8, 2013)