USC-UCLA Joint East Asian Studies Center

Asia via the Web:

Christianity in Japan

History || Jesuits || Francis Xavier || Suppression ||

History

The authors of the 26 Martyrs website (see below) have combed the Kodansha Encyclopedia of Japan for information on the history of Christianity in Japan. From this chronology, one may visit entries.

Jesuits

Jesuit Portraits

This Fairfield University site includes a paintings and short biographies of noted Jesuits, including those working in Asia. Organized alphabetically and recommended.

Francis Xavier (1506-1552)

Compton's Encyclopedia entry on Xavier

Xavier's missionary career began in 1542 in Goa, the former Portuguese colony in India. After Xavier's death near China in 1552, his body was returned to Goa. Goa Interactive's mini-website on the priest includes pictures, a chronology, and photos of Xavier's mausoleum..

A 17th century painting (in the style of Brother Pozzo, S.J.) commemorates Igantius's sending of Francis Xavier to India in 1540 [this painting can be seen on many Xavier-related websites]

Suppression of Christians

26 Martyrs is a Jesuit website detailing the execution of Catholics outside Nagasaki on Feb. 5, 1597.

Flag of Shimbara Christians, ca. 1637

JEASC Educational Resources

JEASC home page