THE UNSPEAKABLE THINGS THAT HAPPENED TO CHRISTIANS IN JAPAN

Описание: Welcome to Wavesfrom Thepast! In this video, you will explore the unspeakable things that happened to Christians in Japan, uncovering a harrowing history of faith, persecution, and survival. So keep watching the video till the end and subscribe for captivating explorations of history's hidden chapters!
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Centuries ago, Christianity in Japan was not celebrated; it was a secret belief that put lives at risk. Remote mountain villages became sanctuaries where faith was whispered and passed down in secrecy. This untold chapter reveals why a nation went to extraordinary lengths to suppress religion and how the legacy of those hidden Christians continues to echo today.

Christianity arrived in Japan during the 16th century, introduced by Portuguese missionaries like Francis Xavier. Initially embraced, particularly in the southern regions like Kyushu, the faith spread rapidly. Local lords saw alliances with missionaries as opportunities to strengthen trade and secure power. By the late 16th century, an estimated 300,000 people had converted, including samurai and influential leaders. Entire communities adopted the faith, building churches and weaving Christian practices into daily life.

However, this growth was met with resistance. The Tokugawa shogunate viewed Christianity as a threat to Japan's cultural unity and political stability. By 1614, the faith was banned, missionaries were expelled, and believers were forced to renounce their religion. The infamous fumi-e test required suspected Christians to trample on images of Christ as proof of loyalty to the shogunate. Those who refused faced unspeakable punishments, including public crucifixions, boiling, and other brutal executions.

The Shimabara Rebellion of 1637, led by Christian peasants, intensified the crackdown. This uprising, perceived as a Christian threat, resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and further suppression. Christianity was driven underground, giving rise to the Kakure Kirishitan, or hidden Christians. These communities practiced their faith in secret, blending Christian symbols with Buddhist imagery to avoid detection. For over 200 years, their resilience preserved their beliefs despite constant danger.

Japan’s isolation policy, established under the Kokugaku edict, further insulated the country from foreign influences, including Christianity. Trade was restricted to a single port in Nagasaki, allowing the shogunate to control external contact tightly. This period of isolation lasted until the mid-19th century, shaping Japan's societal structure and cultural identity.

When Japan reopened to the world, the hidden Christians revealed their remarkable story. Their practices and traditions, preserved through oral histories and disguised rituals, offer a powerful testament to the endurance of faith under persecution.

Join us as we explore this harrowing history and uncover the legacy of the unspeakable things that happened to Christians in Japan.

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Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
00:45 The Arrival of Christianity in Japan
02:38 Tokugawa Shogunate Bans Christianity
04:12 The Persecution of Christians in Japan
05:48 The Kokugaku Edict and Isolation Policy
07:18 Christianity’s Secret Survival in Japan
08:33 Outro

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