Top 10 Things To know About Christianity In Japan

Top 10 Things To Know About Christianity In Japan

Worldwide, Christianity is the largest and most widespread religion. The religion is known for having approximately 2.4 billion followers who represent one-third of the global population. However, in Japan, Christianity is a minority religion among others. Today, the Christian denominations that are represented in Japan include Protestantism, Oriental Orthodoxy, Roman Catholicism, and Orthodox Christianity. Over the years, Christianity has had an important role in the history and culture of Japan specifically in healthcare, social welfare, and education.

1. The Rise of Christianity in Japan

In the 16th century, Christianity was introduced to Japan by the Portuguese Jesuit missionary. Francis Xavier arrived in Japan in 1549 and he evangelized the Japanese people. He preached the principles of Christianity and performed miracles. Through his teachings, he gained an audience and within a few decades, he was able to grow the Christian community.

The Tokugawa shogunate issued a law that restricted the spread of Christianity in 1587. The shogunate thought the Christian missionaries were a threat to the stability of the nation. Later in 1597, twenty-six Christians were martyred in Nagasaki for their beliefs, and in the years that followed the persecution intensified.

When Japan was forced to open its ports to foreign trade in 1853. This brought the resurgence of Christianity as Western missionaries arrived in the country. By the time 1868 came around, there was a new era of religious freedom which made Christianity flourish all over again.

2. Christianity During Both World Wars

During both wars, Christianity had a difficult relationship with the government and society. During the First World War, the Christian community used the war to its advantage by spreading its message of love and peace. Most of the churches helped in charity work for the soldiers and the families affected by the war.

However, the Japanese government was hostile to Christianity, especially Catholicism. They saw it as a threat because of it of its connection to Western powers. Christian priests and nuns were highly targeted during this time, some were persecuted while many were imprisoned and executed.

During the Second World War, some churches refused to participate in government ceremonies due to the challenges they faced. They held their services to promote reconciliation and peace. The church also helped those who were affected by the war. In general, the Christians during both world wars faced challenges and would be at odds with the government’s values. Even though tensions began to rise, Christians remained committed to their faith.

3. The Growth of Christianity After World War I and II

Tokyo Bible School in 1932.jpg Photo by Satoshi Nakamura – Wikimedia Commons

After Japan lost the World War, there was a significant rise in religion. This was because the loss of Japan in the war led to the end of Japan’s isolationist policies which prevented the spread of foreign religions. Not only that but also, Christian groups would provide humanitarian aid to the Japanese citizens that were affected by the war. This helped the Christina groups to gain the trust and support of most local communities.

After both wars, there was a shift from rural to urban living which resulted in new social networks and communities. During this time, most people became more open to the idea of Christianity as a religion. Most of the locals found it to be a peaceful and loving community.

4. The Culture of Japanese Christians

Cook Islands IMG 5905 (8451965559).jpg Photo by Christopher Johnson from Tokyo, Japan – Wikimedia Commons

The culture of Japanese Christians is a unique blend of both Japanese and Christian traditions that reflect the history of Christianity in Japan. It is characterized by a deep respect for a commitment to service and traditions. Most Japanese Christians participate in church activities and community service. Japanese Christians are characterized as thoughtful and reflective. They tend to express their faith through traditional Japanese crafts and flower arrangements.

The Japanese Christian culture is a beautiful blend of traditional Japanese customs and Christian ceremonies like incorporating rice in communion. The culture reflects the unique history and spirituality of the community.

5. Famous Japanese Christian Holidays

The primary Christian holidays celebrated in Japan are Christmas and Easter. In Japan, Christmas is celebrated in a secular manner rather than religious observance. However, other holidays in Japan are intertwined with Christianity. The Shichi-Go-San holiday is celebrated on November 15th, it is a day when children who turn 3,5, and 7 during the year are honored. On this day, families normally take their children to a Shinto shrine or Christian church to receive blessings.

The Nagasaki Kunchi festival is held in Nagasaki in October. Japanese Christians observe this day because of the city’s history as a center of Christian activity. The festival usually included Christian-themed performances and rituals.

6. Japanese Christian Wedding Ceremonies

St Mary’s Church, Kyoto.jpg Photo by Hideyuki KAMON – Wikimedia Commons

Typically, in most Japanese Christian weddings, they follow a combination of Western and Japanese ceremonies. In almost all wedding ceremonies, the bride wears a white dress but can include a traditional Japanese wedding outfit. A unity candle is lit after the exchange of rings to symbolize the unity of the couple and their families.  This is usually followed by a full Catholic Mass and blessings from a Christian pastor. After the wedding ceremony, a traditional Japanese reception follows, it incorporates a multi-course meal, traditional dance performances, and sake ceremonies.

7. The Major Denominations in The Japanese Christian Community

Japanese Tensho Embassy with Pope Gregory XIII 1585.png Photo by Roman painter – Wikimedia Commons

In Japan, there has been a growth in the Christian denomination. After both World Wars, other denominations began to rise and later formed their communities. The widely spread denomination in Japan is Catholicism. The Catholic Church of Japan is the largest Christian community in the country and is known as the first denomination to come to Japan in the 16th century.

Protestantism followed in the 19th century and is the second-largest Christian denomination in Japan. Some of the Protestant denominations in Japan include Presbyterian, Baptist, Methodist, and Anglican Communion churches. The other denominations are Orthodox Christianity which has a smaller presence in Japan, Seventh-day Adventist which has grown rapidly over the years, and the United Church of Christ in Japan which is a denomination that was formed in the wake of World War II.

8. The Influence of Japanese Christians in The World of Art and Media

Japanese Christians have had a significant influence on the world of art. The community has used art as a means of social and political activism. The influence of the Japanese Christian community can be seen in the fusion of traditional Japanese art forms with Western techniques. Art as be used as a tool for evangelization and social activism which reflects the impact of Christianity on Japanese culture.

The Japanese Christian Broadcasting Association operates on some television and radio stations. It also produces educational and religious content for children. The Cross+Culture magazine is published by the United Church of Christ in Japan and provides a forum for discussions on faith, social justice, and culture.

9. The Impact of Christianity in the Modern World of Japan

Even though Christianity is a minority religion in Japan and makes up less than 1% of the population, it still has an important influence on modern society. For instance, Christianity is affiliated with many educational institutions like universities and high schools. Christian organizations in Japan provide significant humanitarian aid to those in need and offer various services such as health care, welfare, education, and disaster relief. 

Christian imagery and tradition have made a noticeable impact on Japanese culture, especially in popular media like anime, film, and manga. Some Japanese individuals have embraced Christianity as a personal faith and have been influenced by its teachings. Making Christianity a very influential religion although it’s a minority.

10. Changes in Christianity from Old Japan to Modern Japan

In Old Japan, Christianity was met with persecution and hostility but today, it is widely accepted. Before, the Roman Catholic Church was the dominant Christian church. Now, more Christian denominations have been introduced in Japan. After the old era, Christianity has become recognized by the Japanese government and has been granted legal protection.

In the old era, women were not allowed to participate in church activities and worship services but today, women play an important role in many Christian churches. After both World Wars, Christianity had a major impact on Japanese culture, especially in literature and the arts.

All in all, Christianity in Japan has grown and turned into an important religious group in Japan. Christianity has influenced the culture of Japan and the local communities there nonetheless, it has shaped society through its involvement in schools and organizations. Christianity provides valuable services to those in need and offers a spiritual community to those who feel drawn to its teachings. Between the Old era and the new one, there has been major growth and changes in Japanese Christian communities.