Japan's Christian Minority

Paper Summary:

This article traces the history of the 1 per cent Christian minority in Japan that first appeared in AD 200 but is more associated with St. Francis Xavier and the 16th century. The writer looks at the legacy of persecution and 'underground' religion and its renewal in the 19th century and again after World War II. The writer discusses that many of Japan's 2 million or so Christians do not refer to their religion, as more convert, but that the 1990s economic slump and its effects created new interest. Reference is also made to the power of a religion associated with martyrdom, underground and secret networks and social service.

From the Paper:

In 2006, approximately 1 per cent of Japan's population are Christians, or 2 million persons, divided among different sects, apart from the Jesuit Roman Catholic spirituality that has long been associated with the Christian minority. Despite what many believe, Christianity was not established in Japan with the arrival of Saint Francis Xavier in 1549 AD. In fact, Francis Xavier encountered members of a Kirishtan or Keikyo community of whom it is possible he knew as a reason for his travel to the islands. Christianity had reached Japan about 22 AD via trade routes spanning Central Asia and China to Nara in central Japan.

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