James Kisai

Statue of Diogo Kisai

James Kisai (1533 – February 5, 1597) was a Japanese Roman Catholic lay missionary and one of the Twenty-Six Martyrs of Japan. He was canonized by Pope Pius IX in 1862. Kisai's life and martyrdom are significant in the history of Catholicism in Japan, illustrating the early spread of Christianity in Asia and the severe persecution that Christians faced during this period.

Early Life

James Kisai was born in 1533 in Japan. Little is known about his early life before he converted to Christianity. His conversion was influenced by the arrival of Jesuit missionaries in Japan in the mid-16th century, who came to preach the Gospel. The most notable of these missionaries was Saint Francis Xavier, who arrived in Japan in 1549.

Conversion to Christianity

After encountering the teachings of the Jesuit missionaries, Kisai converted to Christianity. He was deeply moved by the Christian message of salvation and the example of the missionaries' lives. His conversion marked the beginning of his commitment to live and preach the Christian faith in Japan.

Ministry

Following his conversion, James Kisai dedicated his life to the Christian ministry, working closely with other prominent figures in the early Japanese Christian community, such as Paul Miki and John Soan de Goto. Together, they undertook missionary work, spreading the Christian faith across Japan. Kisai's role primarily involved catechizing and assisting the Jesuit missionaries in their evangelization efforts.

Persecution and Martyrdom

The spread of Christianity in Japan initially faced little opposition. However, as the number of converts grew, Japanese authorities began to see Christianity as a threat to their power and the traditional religious order. In 1587, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, a powerful daimyo who unified Japan, issued an edict banning Christianity and expelling foreign missionaries.

Despite the ban, Kisai and his companions continued their missionary work in secret. In 1597, Hideyoshi's government intensified its persecution of Christians. James Kisai, along with Paul Miki, John Soan de Goto, and twenty-three others, were arrested for their faith.

They were forced to march from Kyoto to Nagasaki, a journey meant to serve as a warning to other Christians. Upon reaching Nagasaki, they were crucified on February 5, 1597. Kisai's martyrdom was a testament to his unwavering faith and dedication to spreading Christianity in Japan.

Canonization

James Kisai was beatified on September 14, 1627, by Pope Urban VIII, along with the other twenty-five martyrs of Japan. They were all canonized saints by Pope Pius IX on June 8, 1862. The Twenty-Six Martyrs of Japan are commemorated on February 6, the day after their martyrdom, in the liturgical calendar of the Roman Catholic Church.

Legacy

The martyrdom of James Kisai and his companions had a profound impact on the Christian community in Japan and the Catholic Church worldwide. Their sacrifice highlighted the global nature of Christianity and the faith's resilience in the face of persecution. Today, the Twenty-Six Martyrs of Japan are venerated as symbols of courage and fidelity to the Christian faith.