Japan is a nation better known for its Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples, yet nestled within its rich cultural tapestry are some of the oldest Christian churches in the world outside of Europe. These churches not only stand as places of worship but also bear silent witness to the turbulent history of Christianity in Japan.
From hidden Christians to the Meiji era’s religious freedom, each church has a unique story that interweaves with Japan’s cultural heritage. In this article, we will explore nine of the oldest churches in Japan, uncovering the fascinating history and architectural splendor that each one holds.
List of the Oldest churches in Japan
1. Oura Church (Oura Tenshudo)
Oura Church, or Oura Tenshudo, in Nagasaki is renowned as Japan’s oldest church still standing. Constructed in 1864 by French missionaries, it is a stunning example of Gothic Revival architecture. The church was built in honor of the 26 Martyrs of Japan and was dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The iconic structure with its twin spires quickly became a beacon for the hidden Christians who had practiced their faith in secret during the prohibition period.
The significance of Oura Church was further cemented when a group of hidden Christians revealed their faith to a French priest after the ban on Christianity had been lifted. The church has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2018 and continues to be not only a relic of Christian history in Japan but also a symbol of religious endurance and faith.
2. Motoderakoji Church (Motoe Hirakubo)
Motoe Hirakubo, sometimes known as Motoderakoji, on the island of Tsushima, was constructed in the late 19th century. Its establishment reflected the renewed openness to Christianity under the Meiji Restoration. Unlike Oura Church, Motoe Hirakubo presents a simpler architectural design yet maintains an elegant dignity. The church was a product of the collective effort of local Christians who devoted their time and resources to build a sanctuary for their faith.
Despite its remote location, Motoderakoji has been an essential spiritual home for Christians on Tsushima island. The church showcases a blend of Western and Japanese architectural elements, and its atmosphere of tranquility is indicative of the peaceful coexistence of different religious practices on the island.
3. Naka-no Church
Located in the city of Nagasaki, Naka-no Church is another important Christian site. Built in 1895, the church serves as a testament to the expansion of Christianity in Nagasaki during the Meiji era. Its brick exterior and stained-glass windows are characteristic features of the period’s churches, and the church’s blend of Western and Eastern design philosophies stands as a representation of Japan’s rapid modernization.
Naka-no Church has not only been a place of worship but also a community center. Over the years, it has seen numerous rites of passage, celebrations, and has stood as a symbol of hope and resilience, especially when viewed against the backdrop of the city’s tragic history during World War II.
4. Hara Castle Christian Museum
Although not a church per se, the historical site of Hara Castle in Minamishimabara, Nagasaki, holds a Christian museum that preserves the narratives of Christian samurai. These samurai were known as the “Hidden Christians” of the Shimabara Rebellion in the 17th century, who rebelled against the shogunate’s oppression. Though their revolt was eventually quashed, the memory and faith of these individuals have been enshrined in this location.
The museum at Hara Castle serves as a poignant reminder of the steadfastness of the Christians during a time of severe persecution. Visitors to the museum will find artifacts, historical documents, and accounts that provide context to the Christian influence in the region and underscore the struggles faced by believers during that era.
5. Tabira Church
In the tranquil town of Hirado in Nagasaki Prefecture lies Tabira Church, built-in 1897. This church was constructed on the foundations of what was believed to be the first Christian church in Japan, established by the Jesuit missionary Francis Xavier. Although the original structure is long gone, Tabira Church holds a special place in the history of Christianity in Japan as a symbol of the first seeds of faith planted in the country.
Today, Tabira Church is a serene sanctuary and a reminder of Japan’s earliest encounters with Christianity. The architecture offers a subdued yet elegant façade, while the interior is resplendent with ornate stained glass and wood carvings, reflecting the care and devotion of its parishioners.
6. Kuroshima Church
Completed in 1902, Kuroshima Church is located on Kuroshima Island in Nagasaki Prefecture. Designed by the renowned architect Yosuke Tetsukawa, who was responsible for several churches in the Nagasaki region, Kuroshima Church is known for its majestic Romanesque style. The church’s substantial brickwork and rounded arches give it a solid and enduring presence on the small island.
Kuroshima Church is not simply a place of worship but also a community landmark. Over the years, it has grown into a symbol of identity for the local Christian population. The island itself has an extensive Christian history, having served as a safe haven for hidden Christians during the period when their faith was outlawed. Today, the church stands proudly as a legacy of their faith.
7. Sakitsu Church
Sakitsu Church, situated in Amakusa, Kumamoto Prefecture, symbolizes perseverance. Built in 1934, Sakitsu Church represents the culmination of the hidden Christians’ determination to openly practice their faith once the ban on Christianity was lifted. The church, influenced by French missionary techniques, displays a striking combination of Roman and Gothic architecture, with a high ceiling and pointed arches.
An emblem of hope and freedom, Sakitsu Church is not only a religious site but also a tourist destination. Visitors come from far and wide to appreciate its beauty and to contemplate the journey of Japanese Christians from secrecy to freedom. It is a testament to the enduring spirit of those who held fast to their beliefs against all odds.
8. Oso Church
Oso Church, established in 1883 in the Kumamoto Prefecture, boasts an eclectic history. The church’s exotic building materials, which include locally-sourced stone and imported woods, mirror the diverse influences present in Japanese Christian communities of the time. Oso Church is an embodiment of the melding of local and foreign traditions that defined the era’s Christian architecture.
Today, Oso Church maintains its role as a place of worship, while also serving as a historical landmark. It continues to draw not only the faithful but also students of history and architecture, eager to learn about the extraordinary legacy of Christianity in Japan and the unique blend of cultural elements seen in its structure.
9. Shitsu Church
Shitsu Church, erected in 1882 in Nagasaki, is both a historical icon and an active place of worship. The parish was established by Father Marc Marie de Rotz, who arrived in Japan to aid the often persecuted hidden Christian community. The church, with its commanding presence overlooking the bay, was built to minister to the needs of a growing number of Catholics in the region – including Christians who had practiced their faith clandestinely for generations.
Over time, Shitsu Church not only became a religious center but also a community hub that played a crucial role in the revival of the faith. The edifice’s design is informed by both Western and Japanese styles, creating a harmonious balance that reflects the local cultural context.
Conclusion
The oldest churches in Japan are beacons of a little-known chapter in the nation’s history. They are not merely structures of stone, brick, and mortar but sanctuaries of a resilient faith that survived secrecy and persecution. These nine churches stand as a testament to the dedication and persistence of the hidden Christians, the devotion of foreign missionaries, and the evolution of religious tolerance in Japan.
Today, they continue to inspire both believers and non-believers, sharing a story of cultural exchange, spiritual endurance, and the timeless pursuit of religious freedom. Each church, with its blend of architectural styles and historical significance, invites reflection on the fusion of East and West and the enduring power of faith in the human spirit.
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