26 Martyrs of Japan

26 Martyrs of Japan Memorial

The 26 Martyrs of Japan refers to a group of Christians who were executed by crucifixion on February 5, 1597, at Nishizaka Hill in Nagasaki, Japan. This event is a significant part of the history of Christianity in Japan and is a testament to the religious and cultural conflicts that arose during the introduction of Christianity to Japan in the 16th century. The martyrs included six European Franciscan missionaries, three Japanese Jesuits, and seventeen Japanese laymen including three young boys.

Background

Christianity was introduced to Japan by the Jesuit missionary Francis Xavier in 1549. Over the following decades, the number of Christians in Japan grew, leading to tensions with the ruling samurai class and the shogunate, who viewed the foreign religion as a threat to their power and the Japanese social order. The arrival of the Franciscans, who came from the Spanish-controlled Philippines, added to the suspicion, as the shogunate feared the spread of Christianity could be a precursor to Spanish conquest.

Persecution

The persecution of Christians in Japan began in earnest in the late 16th century. The 26 Martyrs of Japan were arrested in various parts of western Japan, including Kyoto and Osaka, and forced to march hundreds of kilometers to Nagasaki, a prominent center of Christianity in Japan. Their execution was intended as a warning to other Christians and a demonstration of the shogunate's resolve to suppress Christianity.

Canonization

Pope Pius IX canonized the 26 Martyrs of Japan on June 8, 1862. They are celebrated in the Roman Catholic Church with a feast day on February 6. Their canonization was significant as it recognized the sacrifices made by the early Christians in Japan and highlighted the global nature of the church.

Legacy

The site of their crucifixion, now known as the 26 Martyrs Museum and Monument, commemorates their martyrdom and serves as a place of pilgrimage for people from around the world. The story of the 26 Martyrs has also been influential in the development of Christian thought in Japan and has been a source of inspiration for Japanese Christians throughout history.

See Also

• Christianity in Japan
• Francis Xavier
• Persecution of Christians
• Roman Catholicism in Japan