Kakure kirishitan

Definition

Kakure kirishitan refers to 'hidden Christians' in Japan, who practiced their faith in secret during the period of severe persecution that followed the banning of Christianity in the early 17th century. These individuals maintained their beliefs and rituals covertly, blending aspects of Christianity with local traditions to survive under oppressive conditions. The kakure kirishitan community represents a unique form of cultural and religious resilience amid external pressures and societal changes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The kakure kirishitan community emerged after the Tokugawa Shogunate enforced anti-Christian policies in the early 1600s, leading to the persecution of Christians.
2. Kakure kirishitan developed unique practices that incorporated traditional Japanese elements, allowing them to disguise their Christian rituals as local customs.
3. They preserved Christian texts and teachings by hiding them or embedding them within Japanese cultural contexts, such as art and language.
4. Despite severe penalties, including execution for those caught practicing Christianity openly, many kakure kirishitan continued their faith discreetly for centuries.
5. The discovery of these hidden Christians came to light in the late 19th century when Japan opened up again to the West, allowing for a revival and reconnection with the global Christian community.

Review Questions

• How did the kakure kirishitan adapt their practices to survive under Tokugawa Shogunate's anti-Christian policies?
  • The kakure kirishitan adapted by blending their Christian beliefs with local customs and traditions, creating a unique form of worship that could pass under the radar of authorities. They incorporated Shinto and Buddhist elements into their practices, allowing them to maintain their faith while appearing to conform to societal norms. This syncretism helped them preserve essential aspects of Christianity while avoiding detection during a time of intense persecution.
• Evaluate the impact of European contact on the formation of kakure kirishitan and their religious practices during periods of isolation.
  • European contact introduced Christianity to Japan and significantly influenced early conversions. However, once the Tokugawa Shogunate imposed strict isolationist policies, these influences were forced underground. The kakure kirishitan adapted their religious practices by incorporating European Christian teachings with Japanese cultural elements. This adaptation allowed them to maintain a semblance of their faith while creating a unique identity that reflected both their Christian roots and Japanese heritage during times of isolation.
• Analyze how the existence of kakure kirishitan contributes to our understanding of religious resilience and adaptation in response to persecution.
  • The kakure kirishitan exemplify religious resilience by demonstrating how marginalized communities can adapt their beliefs and practices in response to persecution. Their ability to maintain core tenets of Christianity while disguising them within local traditions highlights a profound human capacity for survival against oppression. This situation illustrates broader themes of cultural adaptation, showing how faith can persist and evolve even under severe restrictions. The eventual re-emergence of kakure kirishitan in the late 19th century also signals a return to visibility for suppressed beliefs in changing political landscapes, emphasizing the dynamic nature of religious identity.

Related terms

Christianity in Japan:

The introduction of Christianity to Japan by European missionaries, particularly in the 16th century, which initially flourished but later faced severe suppression.

Tokugawa Shogunate:

The feudal regime that ruled Japan from the early 17th to the mid-19th century, known for its strict policies against foreign influence and Christianity.

Namban trade: The term refers to the trade relations between Japan and European countries, particularly the Portuguese and Spanish, which facilitated the early spread of Christianity before restrictions were imposed.