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Christianity in Japan: Mission, Persecution, and Legacy

At a Glance

Title: Christianity in Japan: Mission, Persecution, and Legacy

Total Categories: 6

Category Stats

  • Early Encounters and Missionary Efforts: 16 flashcards, 14 questions
  • Missionary Strategies and Cultural Adaptation: 7 flashcards, 10 questions
  • Government Policies and Edicts: 15 flashcards, 15 questions
  • Persecution and Resistance: 14 flashcards, 15 questions
  • Socio-Economic Impact and Controversies: 11 flashcards, 14 questions
  • Legacy and Cultural Representation: 11 flashcards, 7 questions

Total Stats

  • Total Flashcards: 74
  • True/False Questions: 39
  • Multiple Choice Questions: 36
  • Total Questions: 75

Instructions

Click the button to expand the instructions for how to use the Wiki2Web Teacher studio in order to print, edit, and export data about Christianity in Japan: Mission, Persecution, and Legacy

Welcome to Your Curriculum Command Center

This guide will turn you into a Wiki2web Studio power user. Let's unlock the features designed to give you back your weekends.

The Core Concept: What is a "Kit"?

Think of a Kit as your all-in-one digital lesson plan. It's a single, portable file that contains every piece of content for a topic: your subject categories, a central image, all your flashcards, and all your questions. The true power of the Studio is speed—once a kit is made (or you import one), you are just minutes away from printing an entire set of coursework.

Getting Started is Simple:

  • Create New Kit: Start with a clean slate. Perfect for a brand-new lesson idea.
  • Import & Edit Existing Kit: Load a .json kit file from your computer to continue your work or to modify a kit created by a colleague.
  • Restore Session: The Studio automatically saves your progress in your browser. If you get interrupted, you can restore your unsaved work with one click.

Step 1: Laying the Foundation (The Authoring Tools)

This is where you build the core knowledge of your Kit. Use the left-side navigation panel to switch between these powerful authoring modules.

⚙️ Kit Manager: Your Kit's Identity

This is the high-level control panel for your project.

  • Kit Name: Give your Kit a clear title. This will appear on all your printed materials.
  • Master Image: Upload a custom cover image for your Kit. This is essential for giving your content a professional visual identity, and it's used as the main graphic when you export your Kit as an interactive game.
  • Topics: Create the structure for your lesson. Add topics like "Chapter 1," "Vocabulary," or "Key Formulas." All flashcards and questions will be organized under these topics.

🃏 Flashcard Author: Building the Knowledge Blocks

Flashcards are the fundamental concepts of your Kit. Create them here to define terms, list facts, or pose simple questions.

  • Click "➕ Add New Flashcard" to open the editor.
  • Fill in the term/question and the definition/answer.
  • Assign the flashcard to one of your pre-defined topics.
  • To edit or remove a flashcard, simply use the ✏️ (Edit) or ❌ (Delete) icons next to any entry in the list.

✍️ Question Author: Assessing Understanding

Create a bank of questions to test knowledge. These questions are the engine for your worksheets and exams.

  • Click "➕ Add New Question".
  • Choose a Type: True/False for quick checks or Multiple Choice for more complex assessments.
  • To edit an existing question, click the ✏️ icon. You can change the question text, options, correct answer, and explanation at any time.
  • The Explanation field is a powerful tool: the text you enter here will automatically appear on the teacher's answer key and on the Smart Study Guide, providing instant feedback.

🔗 Intelligent Mapper: The Smart Connection

This is the secret sauce of the Studio. The Mapper transforms your content from a simple list into an interconnected web of knowledge, automating the creation of amazing study guides.

  • Step 1: Select a question from the list on the left.
  • Step 2: In the right panel, click on every flashcard that contains a concept required to answer that question. They will turn green, indicating a successful link.
  • The Payoff: When you generate a Smart Study Guide, these linked flashcards will automatically appear under each question as "Related Concepts."

Step 2: The Magic (The Generator Suite)

You've built your content. Now, with a few clicks, turn it into a full suite of professional, ready-to-use materials. What used to take hours of formatting and copying-and-pasting can now be done in seconds.

🎓 Smart Study Guide Maker

Instantly create the ultimate review document. It combines your questions, the correct answers, your detailed explanations, and all the "Related Concepts" you linked in the Mapper into one cohesive, printable guide.

📝 Worksheet & 📄 Exam Builder

Generate unique assessments every time. The questions and multiple-choice options are randomized automatically. Simply select your topics, choose how many questions you need, and generate:

  • A Student Version, clean and ready for quizzing.
  • A Teacher Version, complete with a detailed answer key and the explanations you wrote.

🖨️ Flashcard Printer

Forget wrestling with table layouts in a word processor. Select a topic, choose a cards-per-page layout, and instantly generate perfectly formatted, print-ready flashcard sheets.

Step 3: Saving and Collaborating

  • 💾 Export & Save Kit: This is your primary save function. It downloads the entire Kit (content, images, and all) to your computer as a single .json file. Use this to create permanent backups and share your work with others.
  • ➕ Import & Merge Kit: Combine your work. You can merge a colleague's Kit into your own or combine two of your lessons into a larger review Kit.

You're now ready to reclaim your time.

You're not just a teacher; you're a curriculum designer, and this is your Studio.

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Text content is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License (opens in new tab). Additional terms may apply.

Disclaimer: This website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute any kind of advice. The information is not a substitute for consulting official sources or records or seeking advice from qualified professionals.


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Study Guide: Christianity in Japan: Mission, Persecution, and Legacy

Study Guide: Christianity in Japan: Mission, Persecution, and Legacy

Early Encounters and Missionary Efforts

The Japanese term 'Kirishitan' exclusively refers to Catholic Christians in Japan during the 16th and 17th centuries.

Answer: True

The term 'Kirishitan' specifically denotes Catholic Christians in Japan during the 16th and 17th centuries, originating from the Portuguese word 'cristão'.

Related Concepts:

  • Who were the primary founders and regions associated with the Kirishitan presence in Japan?: The Kirishitan presence in Japan was founded by Portuguese and Spanish missionaries. The primary regions with significant Kirishitan populations were Japan itself, and an exiled population in the Philippines. The religion practiced was Catholic Christianity, with the Bible as its scripture and Latin and Japanese as its languages.
  • How did the Treaty of Tordesillas influence the religious and trade spheres of influence for Portugal and Spain in relation to Japan?: The Treaty of Tordesillas (1494) divided the world into exclusive spheres of influence for Portugal and Spain. Although neither nation had direct contact with Japan at the time of the treaty, Japan fell into the Portuguese sphere. This demarcation meant that the exclusive right to propagate Christianity in Japan was linked to the exclusive right to trade with Japan, leading to disputes between the two powers over access to the country.
  • What does the Japanese term 'Kirishitan' refer to, and what is its etymological origin?: The Japanese term 'Kirishitan' (吉利支丹, 切支丹, キリシタン) refers to Catholic Christians in Japan. Its origin traces back to the Portuguese word 'cristão,' meaning 'Christian.' The term is primarily used in Japanese texts to denote Catholics in Japan during the 16th and 17th centuries, and also in relation to 'Kakure Kirishitan,' or hidden Christians. Modern Japanese uses 'kirisuto-kyōto' or 'kurisuchan' for 'Christian.'

The term 'Kirishitan' originates from the Spanish word 'cristiano.'

Answer: False

The term 'Kirishitan' originates from the Portuguese word 'cristão,' not the Spanish 'cristiano.'

Related Concepts:

  • Who were the primary founders and regions associated with the Kirishitan presence in Japan?: The Kirishitan presence in Japan was founded by Portuguese and Spanish missionaries. The primary regions with significant Kirishitan populations were Japan itself, and an exiled population in the Philippines. The religion practiced was Catholic Christianity, with the Bible as its scripture and Latin and Japanese as its languages.
  • What does the Japanese term 'Kirishitan' refer to, and what is its etymological origin?: The Japanese term 'Kirishitan' (吉利支丹, 切支丹, キリシタン) refers to Catholic Christians in Japan. Its origin traces back to the Portuguese word 'cristão,' meaning 'Christian.' The term is primarily used in Japanese texts to denote Catholics in Japan during the 16th and 17th centuries, and also in relation to 'Kakure Kirishitan,' or hidden Christians. Modern Japanese uses 'kirisuto-kyōto' or 'kurisuchan' for 'Christian.'

The Treaty of Tordesillas placed Japan within the Spanish sphere of influence for religious propagation.

Answer: False

The Treaty of Tordesillas (1494) placed Japan within the Portuguese sphere of influence, granting Portugal the exclusive right to propagate Christianity there.

Related Concepts:

  • How did the Treaty of Tordesillas influence the religious and trade spheres of influence for Portugal and Spain in relation to Japan?: The Treaty of Tordesillas (1494) divided the world into exclusive spheres of influence for Portugal and Spain. Although neither nation had direct contact with Japan at the time of the treaty, Japan fell into the Portuguese sphere. This demarcation meant that the exclusive right to propagate Christianity in Japan was linked to the exclusive right to trade with Japan, leading to disputes between the two powers over access to the country.

Francis Xavier arrived in Japan accompanied by missionaries Cosme de Torres and João Fernandes.

Answer: True

Francis Xavier's initial mission to Japan in 1549 included fellow missionaries Cosme de Torres and João Fernandes.

Related Concepts:

  • Who was Francis Xavier, and what role did he play in the initial introduction of Christianity to Japan?: Francis Xavier was a Jesuit missionary and a key figure in the introduction of Christianity to Japan. He arrived in Kagoshima in 1549, accompanied by missionaries Cosme de Torres and João Fernandes. Xavier met with local leaders, including Shimazu Takahisa, and was permitted to preach his doctrine, marking the beginning of Catholic missionary activity in Japan.

Nagasaki's development into a major port city was significantly aided by the donation of land by Ōmura Sumitada for a Christian settlement.

Answer: True

The daimyo Ōmura Sumitada's donation of land for a Christian settlement was instrumental in Nagasaki's growth as a major port city and center for Catholic activity.

During Oda Nobunaga's rule, Christianity was generally tolerated, facing few restrictions.

Answer: True

Oda Nobunaga's era was characterized by relative tolerance towards Christianity, contrasting with the later policies of his successors.

Related Concepts:

  • How did the Japanese government's view of Christianity evolve from the period of Oda Nobunaga to that of Tokugawa Ieyasu?: During Oda Nobunaga's rule, Christianity was generally tolerated, and he favored Jesuit missionaries like Luís Fróis, though he did not enact significant pro-Catholic policies. However, after Hideyoshi's reunification and subsequent suspicions, Christianity faced increasing restrictions, culminating in the Bateren Expulsion Edict. Tokugawa Ieyasu initially maintained a pragmatic approach, prioritizing trade, but eventually decided to ban Catholicism entirely in 1614, viewing it as a destabilizing force and a potential threat linked to foreign powers.

The 'Nippo Jisho' was a Japanese-Portuguese dictionary that aided missionary efforts.

Answer: True

This dictionary served as a crucial linguistic tool, facilitating communication and the dissemination of Christian doctrine.

Related Concepts:

  • What is the historical significance of the 'Nippo Jisho'?: The 'Nippo Jisho' (also known as Vocabulario da Lingoa de lapam) was the first Japanese-Portuguese dictionary, compiled by Jesuit missionaries and published in 1603. It was a significant linguistic tool that facilitated communication and understanding between the Japanese and the European missionaries, aiding in the translation of religious texts and the overall propagation of Christianity.
  • What role did the 'Nippo Jisho' play in the dissemination of Christian ideas in Japan?: The 'Nippo Jisho,' the first Japanese-Portuguese dictionary, was a crucial tool for communication and cultural exchange during the Nanban trade period. Compiled by Jesuit missionaries, it enabled better understanding between Europeans and Japanese, aiding in the translation of religious texts and the dissemination of Christian ideas. Its creation facilitated the broader interaction between Japanese and Portuguese societies, impacting language, religion, and culture.
  • What was the significance of the 'Nippo Jisho' in facilitating communication and cultural exchange?: The 'Nippo Jisho,' the first Japanese-Portuguese dictionary, was a crucial tool for communication and cultural exchange during the Nanban trade period. Compiled by Jesuit missionaries, it enabled better understanding between Europeans and Japanese, aiding in the translation of religious texts and the dissemination of Christian ideas. Its creation facilitated the broader interaction between Japanese and Portuguese societies, impacting language, religion, and culture.

What does the term 'Nanban' refer to in the context of Japanese history during the 16th and 17th centuries?

Answer: Portuguese and Spanish traders

'Nanban' (Southern Barbarians) was the term used in Japan to refer to the Portuguese and Spanish traders and missionaries who arrived from the south.

Related Concepts:

  • What was the significance of the 'Nanban trade period' in the context of Kirishitan history?: The 'Nanban trade period' refers to the era when Portuguese and Spanish traders, known as 'Nanban' (Southern Barbarians), first arrived in Japan, bringing with them Christianity. This period, roughly from the mid-16th to the early 17th century, saw the initial introduction and spread of Catholicism, the establishment of missions, and significant cultural exchange, but also led to political tensions and eventual persecution of Christians.
  • What was the 'Nanban art' style, and how did it reflect the cultural exchange during the Kirishitan period?: Nanban art refers to the style of Japanese art that emerged during the Nanban trade period, influenced by the arrival of Portuguese and Spanish traders. This art often depicted Europeans, their ships, and their customs, reflecting the cultural exchange and fascination with the 'Southern Barbarians.' Examples include screens showing Portuguese in distinctive attire and Japanese votive altars in a Nanban style, illustrating the blend of cultures and the impact of foreign interaction.

What is the Japanese term for Catholic Christians in Japan, particularly during the 16th and 17th centuries?

Answer: Kirishitan

'Kirishitan' is the historical term used in Japan for Catholic Christians, derived from the Portuguese 'cristão.'

Related Concepts:

  • Who were the primary founders and regions associated with the Kirishitan presence in Japan?: The Kirishitan presence in Japan was founded by Portuguese and Spanish missionaries. The primary regions with significant Kirishitan populations were Japan itself, and an exiled population in the Philippines. The religion practiced was Catholic Christianity, with the Bible as its scripture and Latin and Japanese as its languages.
  • What does the Japanese term 'Kirishitan' refer to, and what is its etymological origin?: The Japanese term 'Kirishitan' (吉利支丹, 切支丹, キリシタン) refers to Catholic Christians in Japan. Its origin traces back to the Portuguese word 'cristão,' meaning 'Christian.' The term is primarily used in Japanese texts to denote Catholics in Japan during the 16th and 17th centuries, and also in relation to 'Kakure Kirishitan,' or hidden Christians. Modern Japanese uses 'kirisuto-kyōto' or 'kurisuchan' for 'Christian.'

Which European powers were the primary founders of the Kirishitan presence in Japan?

Answer: Portugal and Spain

Portuguese and Spanish missionaries, primarily Jesuits and Franciscans, were the principal agents in establishing Christianity in Japan.

Related Concepts:

  • Who were the primary founders and regions associated with the Kirishitan presence in Japan?: The Kirishitan presence in Japan was founded by Portuguese and Spanish missionaries. The primary regions with significant Kirishitan populations were Japan itself, and an exiled population in the Philippines. The religion practiced was Catholic Christianity, with the Bible as its scripture and Latin and Japanese as its languages.
  • How did the Treaty of Tordesillas influence the religious and trade spheres of influence for Portugal and Spain in relation to Japan?: The Treaty of Tordesillas (1494) divided the world into exclusive spheres of influence for Portugal and Spain. Although neither nation had direct contact with Japan at the time of the treaty, Japan fell into the Portuguese sphere. This demarcation meant that the exclusive right to propagate Christianity in Japan was linked to the exclusive right to trade with Japan, leading to disputes between the two powers over access to the country.

According to the Treaty of Tordesillas (1494), which nation held the exclusive right to propagate Christianity in Japan?

Answer: Portugal

The treaty allocated Japan to the Portuguese sphere, granting them the exclusive right to evangelize the region.

Related Concepts:

  • How did the Treaty of Tordesillas influence the religious and trade spheres of influence for Portugal and Spain in relation to Japan?: The Treaty of Tordesillas (1494) divided the world into exclusive spheres of influence for Portugal and Spain. Although neither nation had direct contact with Japan at the time of the treaty, Japan fell into the Portuguese sphere. This demarcation meant that the exclusive right to propagate Christianity in Japan was linked to the exclusive right to trade with Japan, leading to disputes between the two powers over access to the country.

Which missionary is credited with arriving in Japan in 1549 and marking the beginning of Catholic missionary activity?

Answer: Francis Xavier

Francis Xavier's arrival in Kagoshima in 1549 is considered the commencement of Catholic missionary endeavors in Japan.

Related Concepts:

  • Who was Francis Xavier, and what role did he play in the initial introduction of Christianity to Japan?: Francis Xavier was a Jesuit missionary and a key figure in the introduction of Christianity to Japan. He arrived in Kagoshima in 1549, accompanied by missionaries Cosme de Torres and João Fernandes. Xavier met with local leaders, including Shimazu Takahisa, and was permitted to preach his doctrine, marking the beginning of Catholic missionary activity in Japan.

What role did Ōmura Sumitada play in the development of Nagasaki?

Answer: He donated land to establish a settlement for displaced Christians.

Daimyo Ōmura Sumitada's donation of land was crucial for establishing Nagasaki as a Christian settlement and port.

Related Concepts:

  • How did the city of Nagasaki develop into a significant port city, and what was the role of Christianity in its rise?: Nagasaki's transformation into a major port city began around 1570, significantly driven by the arrival of Christianity and Portuguese trade. Jesuit missionaries, with the support of the Christian daimyo Ōmura Sumitada, chose Nagasaki for its natural harbor advantages. Sumitada donated land to establish a settlement for displaced Christians, granting extraterritorial privileges in exchange for securing port customs and taxes, which fostered the city's growth as a hub for trade and Catholic activity.
  • What was the role of Ōmura Sumitada in the early history of Christianity in Nagasaki?: Ōmura Sumitada, also known by his Christian name Dom Bartolomeu, was the first Japanese daimyo to convert to Catholicism. He played a pivotal role in the development of Nagasaki by donating land to the Jesuits for the establishment of a settlement for displaced Christians. His support was crucial for the city's growth as a port and a center for Catholic activity, despite facing opposition from anti-Christian groups and rival merchants.

What was the 'Nippo Jisho'?

Answer: A Japanese-Portuguese dictionary compiled by Jesuits

The 'Nippo Jisho' was the first dictionary of the Japanese language published in collaboration with Portuguese missionaries.

Related Concepts:

  • What is the historical significance of the 'Nippo Jisho'?: The 'Nippo Jisho' (also known as Vocabulario da Lingoa de lapam) was the first Japanese-Portuguese dictionary, compiled by Jesuit missionaries and published in 1603. It was a significant linguistic tool that facilitated communication and understanding between the Japanese and the European missionaries, aiding in the translation of religious texts and the overall propagation of Christianity.
  • What role did the 'Nippo Jisho' play in the dissemination of Christian ideas in Japan?: The 'Nippo Jisho,' the first Japanese-Portuguese dictionary, was a crucial tool for communication and cultural exchange during the Nanban trade period. Compiled by Jesuit missionaries, it enabled better understanding between Europeans and Japanese, aiding in the translation of religious texts and the dissemination of Christian ideas. Its creation facilitated the broader interaction between Japanese and Portuguese societies, impacting language, religion, and culture.
  • What was the significance of the 'Nippo Jisho' in facilitating communication and cultural exchange?: The 'Nippo Jisho,' the first Japanese-Portuguese dictionary, was a crucial tool for communication and cultural exchange during the Nanban trade period. Compiled by Jesuit missionaries, it enabled better understanding between Europeans and Japanese, aiding in the translation of religious texts and the dissemination of Christian ideas. Its creation facilitated the broader interaction between Japanese and Portuguese societies, impacting language, religion, and culture.

Missionary Strategies and Cultural Adaptation

Jesuit missionaries in Japan primarily adopted a top-down approach, aiming to influence powerful individuals first.

Answer: True

The Jesuits believed in a top-down strategy, focusing on converting influential figures before attempting to reach the general populace.

Related Concepts:

  • What was the Jesuit strategy for propagating Christianity in Japan, and how did it differ from other orders?: The Jesuits believed in a top-down approach, aiming to influence powerful individuals first and then allow the religion to spread to commoners. They sought to avoid suspicion by not preaching to commoners without permission from local rulers. In contrast, the Dominicans and Augustinians were more inclined to preach directly to the common people, which sometimes led to faster conversions among the populace but also potentially drew more direct opposition from authorities.

'Dōjuku,' 'kanbō,' and 'jihiyakusha' were groups of laymen who assisted clergymen.

Answer: True

These terms refer to groups of laymen who played vital roles in supporting Christian life and activities within the Japanese mission.

Related Concepts:

  • What were the 'dōjuku,' 'kanbō,' and 'jihiyakusha,' and what functions did they serve within the early Christian community in Japan?: Dōjuku, kanbō, and jihiyakusha were groups of laymen who supported Christian life in Japan. They assisted clergymen with activities such as celebrating Sunday liturgy in the absence of priests, providing religious education, preparing people for confession, and offering spiritual support to the sick. Kanbō were individuals who had left secular life but not taken formal vows, while jihiyakusha were married professionals. These groups were crucial for the mission's functioning.

Alessandro Valignano founded St. Paul's College in Macao to train Japanese clergy.

Answer: True

Valignano established St. Paul's College in Macao as an institution dedicated to the education and training of Japanese clergy.

Related Concepts:

  • What was the role of Alessandro Valignano in the Jesuit mission in Japan, and what were his key contributions?: Alessandro Valignano served as the Visitor of the East Indies' Jesuit missions, holding supreme authority over East Asia's Jesuit activities from 1573 until his death in 1606. He visited Japan three times, championing cultural adaptation and advocating for respecting local architectural traditions and consulting native builders. Valignano also founded St. Paul's College in Macao to train Japanese clergy and played a crucial role in managing relations with Japanese authorities and overseeing construction projects.

The Misericórdia institutions established by Jesuits in Japan primarily focused on managing hospitals and social welfare services.

Answer: True

These institutions served as charitable organizations, providing essential services such as hospitals and broader social welfare support.

Related Concepts:

  • What was the role of the 'Misericórdia' institutions established by the Jesuits in Japan?: The Misericórdia institutions, such as the one established in Nagasaki in 1583, were charitable organizations founded by the Jesuits. They managed hospitals, including facilities for leprosy patients, and provided social welfare services. These institutions exemplified the introduction of Christian charitable principles into Japan, offering a novel framework for social support and demonstrating the Jesuits' commitment to alleviating suffering within the communities they served.
  • What was the role of the 'Misericórdia' institutions established by the Jesuits in Japan?: The Misericórdia institutions, such as the one established in Nagasaki in 1583, were charitable organizations founded by the Jesuits. They managed hospitals, including facilities for leprosy patients, and provided social welfare services. These institutions exemplified the introduction of Christian charitable principles into Japan, offering a novel framework for social support and demonstrating the Jesuits' commitment to alleviating suffering within the communities they served.

Alessandro Valignano advocated for respecting Japanese architectural traditions and consulting native builders.

Answer: True

Valignano championed cultural accommodation, emphasizing the importance of integrating local architectural practices into mission construction.

Related Concepts:

  • What was the role of Alessandro Valignano in the Jesuit mission in Japan, and what were his key contributions?: Alessandro Valignano served as the Visitor of the East Indies' Jesuit missions, holding supreme authority over East Asia's Jesuit activities from 1573 until his death in 1606. He visited Japan three times, championing cultural adaptation and advocating for respecting local architectural traditions and consulting native builders. Valignano also founded St. Paul's College in Macao to train Japanese clergy and played a crucial role in managing relations with Japanese authorities and overseeing construction projects.
  • How did the Jesuit leader Alessandro Valignano attempt to adapt Christianity to Japanese culture?: Alessandro Valignano, as the Jesuit Visitor, actively promoted a deeper accommodation of Japanese culture within the Christian mission. He emphasized respecting local architectural traditions and consulting native master builders for construction projects, ensuring that Christian structures aligned with local practices. This approach allowed Japanese builders to maintain their organizational methods and techniques, fostering a more integrated presence of Christianity within Japanese society.
  • How did the Jesuit leader Alessandro Valignano approach the issue of cultural adaptation within the Japanese mission?: Alessandro Valignano, as the Jesuit Visitor, strongly advocated for adapting Christian practices to Japanese culture. He emphasized respecting local architectural traditions, consulting native master builders, and allowing Japanese builders to maintain their methods. This approach aimed to make Christianity more accessible and integrated within Japanese society, fostering a sense of local ownership and ensuring the mission's long-term viability by minimizing cultural friction.

Which of the following were groups of laymen who supported Christian life in Japan by assisting clergymen?

Answer: Dōjuku, Kanbō, Jihiyakusha

These terms denote groups of lay assistants who provided essential support to the missionary efforts in Japan.

Related Concepts:

  • What were the 'dōjuku,' 'kanbō,' and 'jihiyakusha,' and what functions did they serve within the early Christian community in Japan?: Dōjuku, kanbō, and jihiyakusha were groups of laymen who supported Christian life in Japan. They assisted clergymen with activities such as celebrating Sunday liturgy in the absence of priests, providing religious education, preparing people for confession, and offering spiritual support to the sick. Kanbō were individuals who had left secular life but not taken formal vows, while jihiyakusha were married professionals. These groups were crucial for the mission's functioning.

Alessandro Valignano founded St. Paul's College in which city to train Japanese clergy?

Answer: Macao

St. Paul's College, established by Valignano for the training of Japanese clergy, was located in Macao.

Related Concepts:

  • What was the role of Alessandro Valignano in the Jesuit mission in Japan, and what were his key contributions?: Alessandro Valignano served as the Visitor of the East Indies' Jesuit missions, holding supreme authority over East Asia's Jesuit activities from 1573 until his death in 1606. He visited Japan three times, championing cultural adaptation and advocating for respecting local architectural traditions and consulting native builders. Valignano also founded St. Paul's College in Macao to train Japanese clergy and played a crucial role in managing relations with Japanese authorities and overseeing construction projects.

Which of the following was a key contribution of Alessandro Valignano to the Jesuit mission in Japan?

Answer: He championed cultural adaptation and founded St. Paul's College in Macao.

Valignano's significant contributions included advocating for cultural accommodation and establishing St. Paul's College for clergy training.

Related Concepts:

  • What was the role of Alessandro Valignano in the Jesuit mission in Japan, and what were his key contributions?: Alessandro Valignano served as the Visitor of the East Indies' Jesuit missions, holding supreme authority over East Asia's Jesuit activities from 1573 until his death in 1606. He visited Japan three times, championing cultural adaptation and advocating for respecting local architectural traditions and consulting native builders. Valignano also founded St. Paul's College in Macao to train Japanese clergy and played a crucial role in managing relations with Japanese authorities and overseeing construction projects.
  • How did the Jesuit leader Alessandro Valignano attempt to adapt Christianity to Japanese culture?: Alessandro Valignano, as the Jesuit Visitor, actively promoted a deeper accommodation of Japanese culture within the Christian mission. He emphasized respecting local architectural traditions and consulting native master builders for construction projects, ensuring that Christian structures aligned with local practices. This approach allowed Japanese builders to maintain their organizational methods and techniques, fostering a more integrated presence of Christianity within Japanese society.
  • How did the Jesuit leader Alessandro Valignano approach the issue of cultural adaptation within the Japanese mission?: Alessandro Valignano, as the Jesuit Visitor, strongly advocated for adapting Christian practices to Japanese culture. He emphasized respecting local architectural traditions, consulting native master builders, and allowing Japanese builders to maintain their methods. This approach aimed to make Christianity more accessible and integrated within Japanese society, fostering a sense of local ownership and ensuring the mission's long-term viability by minimizing cultural friction.

How did Alessandro Valignano approach the construction of Christian buildings in Japan?

Answer: He advocated for respecting local architectural traditions and consulting native builders.

Valignano promoted the integration of local architectural customs and the involvement of native builders in constructing Christian edifices.

Related Concepts:

  • How did the Jesuit leader Alessandro Valignano attempt to adapt Christianity to Japanese culture?: Alessandro Valignano, as the Jesuit Visitor, actively promoted a deeper accommodation of Japanese culture within the Christian mission. He emphasized respecting local architectural traditions and consulting native master builders for construction projects, ensuring that Christian structures aligned with local practices. This approach allowed Japanese builders to maintain their organizational methods and techniques, fostering a more integrated presence of Christianity within Japanese society.
  • How did the Jesuit leader Alessandro Valignano approach the issue of cultural adaptation within the Japanese mission?: Alessandro Valignano, as the Jesuit Visitor, strongly advocated for adapting Christian practices to Japanese culture. He emphasized respecting local architectural traditions, consulting native master builders, and allowing Japanese builders to maintain their methods. This approach aimed to make Christianity more accessible and integrated within Japanese society, fostering a sense of local ownership and ensuring the mission's long-term viability by minimizing cultural friction.

What was the primary function of the Misericórdia institutions established by the Jesuits in Nagasaki?

Answer: Charitable organizations managing hospitals and social welfare

These institutions functioned as charitable bodies, providing essential services like healthcare and social support.

Related Concepts:

  • What was the role of the 'Misericórdia' institutions established by the Jesuits in Japan?: The Misericórdia institutions, such as the one established in Nagasaki in 1583, were charitable organizations founded by the Jesuits. They managed hospitals, including facilities for leprosy patients, and provided social welfare services. These institutions exemplified the introduction of Christian charitable principles into Japan, offering a novel framework for social support and demonstrating the Jesuits' commitment to alleviating suffering within the communities they served.
  • What was the role of the 'Misericórdia' institutions established by the Jesuits in Japan?: The Misericórdia institutions, such as the one established in Nagasaki in 1583, were charitable organizations founded by the Jesuits. They managed hospitals, including facilities for leprosy patients, and provided social welfare services. These institutions exemplified the introduction of Christian charitable principles into Japan, offering a novel framework for social support and demonstrating the Jesuits' commitment to alleviating suffering within the communities they served.

Government Policies and Edicts

Toyotomi Hideyoshi's Bateren Expulsion Edict in 1587 was significantly influenced by concerns over the spread of foreign religions.

Answer: True

While religious concerns were a factor, historians suggest the edict was also driven by Hideyoshi's geopolitical strategies, economic considerations, and desire for consolidated authority.

Related Concepts:

  • What were the primary reasons cited for Toyotomi Hideyoshi's promulgation of the Bateren Expulsion Edict in 1587?: Toyotomi Hideyoshi issued the Bateren Expulsion Edict in 1587 due to several concerns. He was alarmed by reports that Christian lords were forcing conversions, garrisoning Nagasaki, participating in the slave trade of other Japanese, and allegedly slaughtering horses and oxen, which offended his Buddhist sentiments. The edict banned missionaries and ordered their expulsion, reflecting Hideyoshi's growing suspicion of Christianity's political and social implications.
  • What were the main arguments presented by historians regarding the causes of Toyotomi Hideyoshi's Bateren Expulsion Edict?: Historians suggest that Toyotomi Hideyoshi's Bateren Expulsion Edict in 1587 was driven by a combination of factors beyond just religious concerns. These include his declaration of Japan as a divine nation ('Shinkoku'), his military and diplomatic strategy for potential foreign conquests, fears of a political threat from Christian daimyo potentially ceding control to foreign powers, and concerns about economic issues like labor force depletion due to the Portuguese slave trade. While iconoclasm was cited, Hideyoshi's own history of attacking Buddhist institutions suggests this was a pretext. The edict's motives are seen as complex, involving religious nativism, geopolitical ambitions, and a desire to consolidate absolute authority.
  • How did the Kirishitan community in Japan adapt their religious practices to survive periods of persecution?: During periods of intense persecution, such as under the Tokugawa Shogunate, the Kirishitan community adapted by practicing their faith in secret, becoming known as 'Kakure Kirishitan' (Hidden Christians). They developed underground organizations and relied on oral traditions to transmit religious knowledge, including biblical phrases and prayers, from one generation to the next. They also assigned specific roles within their communities, such as 'mizukata,' to perform essential rites like baptism, ensuring the continuity of their faith without direct European clerical oversight.

The San Felipe incident led Toyotomi Hideyoshi to curb trade relations with Portugal and Spain.

Answer: True

The incident, involving claims of Spanish colonial ambitions, made Hideyoshi suspicious, leading him to restrict trade while attempting to maintain diplomatic ties.

Related Concepts:

  • How did the San Felipe incident in 1596 influence Toyotomi Hideyoshi's perception of Christianity in Japan?: The San Felipe incident, involving a shipwrecked Spanish trading vessel, became a turning point for Catholic missions in Japan. The Spanish captain allegedly boasted about Spanish colonial ambitions, claiming that missionaries were preparing Japan for conquest. These claims made Hideyoshi suspicious of Christianity, leading him to curb its influence while attempting to maintain trade relations with Portugal and Spain.

The Edo Shogunate viewed Protestant Europeans like the Dutch and English as similar to Catholics and imposed severe restrictions on them.

Answer: True

The Shogunate considered Protestant and Catholic Europeans fundamentally alike in their foreignness and potential threat, applying similar restrictions to both.

Related Concepts:

  • How did the Edo Shogunate's anti-Christian policies affect European traders, particularly the Dutch and English?: The Edo Shogunate's stringent ban on Christianity extended to Protestant Europeans, including the Dutch and English. The Shogunate viewed Protestant and Catholic doctrines as fundamentally similar, labeling the Dutch as 'Kirishitan' and imposing severe restrictions. This included the demolition of the Dutch warehouse in Hirado for bearing a Christian year and the desecration of a Dutch cemetery. The Dutch were confined to Dejima island, with strict prohibitions against practicing or displaying any Christian symbols or rituals.
  • How did the Protestant nations of the Netherlands and England influence the Catholic presence in Japan during the early 17th century?: The Netherlands and England challenged the Roman Catholic world order established by Portugal and Spain. As trade competitors, these Protestant nations engaged in campaigns against Catholicism, advising the Japanese Shogunate that Spain had territorial ambitions linked to Catholicism. This advocacy adversely affected the Shogunate's policies toward the Iberian kingdoms, contributing to the eventual isolationist policies of Japan.

Historians suggest Toyotomi Hideyoshi's Bateren Expulsion Edict was significantly influenced by religious nativism.

Answer: True

While religious nativism played a role, historians emphasize the complex interplay of geopolitical, military, and consolidation-of-power motives behind the edict.

Related Concepts:

  • What were the main arguments presented by historians regarding the causes of Toyotomi Hideyoshi's Bateren Expulsion Edict?: Historians suggest that Toyotomi Hideyoshi's Bateren Expulsion Edict in 1587 was driven by a combination of factors beyond just religious concerns. These include his declaration of Japan as a divine nation ('Shinkoku'), his military and diplomatic strategy for potential foreign conquests, fears of a political threat from Christian daimyo potentially ceding control to foreign powers, and concerns about economic issues like labor force depletion due to the Portuguese slave trade. While iconoclasm was cited, Hideyoshi's own history of attacking Buddhist institutions suggests this was a pretext. The edict's motives are seen as complex, involving religious nativism, geopolitical ambitions, and a desire to consolidate absolute authority.
  • How did the Japanese government's policies, particularly the Bateren Expulsion Edict, reflect a blend of religious nativism and military strategy?: Toyotomi Hideyoshi's Bateren Expulsion Edict exemplified a blend of religious nativism and military strategy. By declaring Japan a divine nation ('Shinkoku') and deeming Christian teachings incompatible with Japan's syncretic traditions, Hideyoshi invoked religious nativism to justify the expulsion. Simultaneously, the edict served his military and diplomatic strategy, as he harbored ambitions for foreign conquests and viewed missionaries and Christian daimyo as potential obstacles to his expansionist goals and consolidation of power.
  • What were the main arguments presented by historians regarding the causes of Toyotomi Hideyoshi's Bateren Expulsion Edict?: Historians suggest that Toyotomi Hideyoshi's Bateren Expulsion Edict in 1587 was driven by a combination of factors beyond just religious concerns. These include his declaration of Japan as a divine nation ('Shinkoku'), his military and diplomatic strategy for potential foreign conquests, fears of a political threat from Christian daimyo potentially ceding control to foreign powers, and concerns about economic issues like labor force depletion due to the Portuguese slave trade. While iconoclasm was cited, Hideyoshi's own history of attacking Buddhist institutions suggests this was a pretext. The edict's motives are seen as complex, involving religious nativism, geopolitical ambitions, and a desire to consolidate absolute authority.

The Tokugawa Shogunate banned Christianity in 1614, citing that Christians contravened governmental regulations and calumniated the True Law.

Answer: True

The official decree banning Christianity in 1614 articulated reasons such as contravening regulations and undermining established laws.

Related Concepts:

  • What were the main justifications used by the Tokugawa Shogunate for the ban on Christianity in 1614?: The Tokugawa Shogunate justified the ban on Christianity in 1614 by claiming that Christians were causing disorder in Japanese society. Their official statement asserted that followers of Christianity 'contravene governmental regulations, traduce Shinto, calumniate the True Law, destroy regulations, and corrupt goodness.' These claims framed Christianity as a pernicious doctrine incompatible with Japan's established order and social harmony.
  • What were the primary motivations behind the Tokugawa Shogunate's decision to ban Christianity in 1614?: The Tokugawa Shogunate's decision to ban Catholicism in 1614 was driven by several factors. The immediate cause was the Okamoto Daihachi incident involving fraud. More broadly, the shogunate was concerned about potential invasions by Iberian colonial powers, similar to events in the New World and the Philippines. Domestically, the ban was linked to measures against the Toyotomi clan, and the shogunate viewed Christianity as a force causing disorder and contravening governmental regulations.

Hideyoshi declared Japan a 'Shinkoku' (Land of the Gods) to justify expelling foreign religions.

Answer: True

The concept of 'Shinkoku' was invoked to assert Japan's divine nature and frame foreign religions as incompatible with its traditions.

Related Concepts:

  • How did the concept of 'Shinkoku' influence Hideyoshi's policies towards Christianity?: Hideyoshi declared Japan a 'Shinkoku' (Land of the Gods), asserting that Christian teachings were incompatible with Japan's syncretic religious traditions. This concept served as a justification for expelling missionaries and suppressing Christianity, framing it as a foreign doctrine that threatened the purity and divine nature of Japan. His push for his own deification likely fueled this religious nativism, as he may have perceived Christianity as an obstacle to his absolute authority and divine status.
  • How did the Japanese government's policies, particularly the Bateren Expulsion Edict, reflect a blend of religious nativism and military strategy?: Toyotomi Hideyoshi's Bateren Expulsion Edict exemplified a blend of religious nativism and military strategy. By declaring Japan a divine nation ('Shinkoku') and deeming Christian teachings incompatible with Japan's syncretic traditions, Hideyoshi invoked religious nativism to justify the expulsion. Simultaneously, the edict served his military and diplomatic strategy, as he harbored ambitions for foreign conquests and viewed missionaries and Christian daimyo as potential obstacles to his expansionist goals and consolidation of power.

Tokugawa Ieyasu eventually banned Catholicism entirely in 1614.

Answer: True

Despite initial pragmatism, Tokugawa Ieyasu ultimately enacted a comprehensive ban on Catholicism in 1614.

Related Concepts:

  • How did the Japanese government's view of Christianity evolve from the period of Oda Nobunaga to that of Tokugawa Ieyasu?: During Oda Nobunaga's rule, Christianity was generally tolerated, and he favored Jesuit missionaries like Luís Fróis, though he did not enact significant pro-Catholic policies. However, after Hideyoshi's reunification and subsequent suspicions, Christianity faced increasing restrictions, culminating in the Bateren Expulsion Edict. Tokugawa Ieyasu initially maintained a pragmatic approach, prioritizing trade, but eventually decided to ban Catholicism entirely in 1614, viewing it as a destabilizing force and a potential threat linked to foreign powers.
  • What were the primary motivations behind the Tokugawa Shogunate's decision to ban Christianity in 1614?: The Tokugawa Shogunate's decision to ban Catholicism in 1614 was driven by several factors. The immediate cause was the Okamoto Daihachi incident involving fraud. More broadly, the shogunate was concerned about potential invasions by Iberian colonial powers, similar to events in the New World and the Philippines. Domestically, the ban was linked to measures against the Toyotomi clan, and the shogunate viewed Christianity as a force causing disorder and contravening governmental regulations.

The Sakoku Edict led to intensified persecution and drove the remaining Catholic community underground.

Answer: True

The Sakoku Edict significantly curtailed foreign interaction, exacerbating the persecution of Christians and forcing many into secrecy.

Related Concepts:

  • What was the impact of the 'Sakoku Edict' on the Kirishitan community and foreign relations?: The Sakoku Edict, issued by Tokugawa Iemitsu, significantly restricted foreign interaction and effectively isolated Japan. This policy intensified the persecution of Christians, driving the remaining Catholic community underground as 'Kakure Kirishitan.' The edict also led to the expulsion of European missionaries and severely limited contact with European powers, shaping Japan's foreign relations for over two centuries and reinforcing the shogunate's control over religious and social life.

The Bateren Edict was primarily aimed at controlling foreign influences and consolidating power.

Answer: True

The edict served Hideyoshi's broader strategy of unifying Japan and managing foreign interactions, consolidating his authority by controlling external influences.

Related Concepts:

  • What were the primary reasons cited for Toyotomi Hideyoshi's promulgation of the Bateren Expulsion Edict in 1587?: Toyotomi Hideyoshi issued the Bateren Expulsion Edict in 1587 due to several concerns. He was alarmed by reports that Christian lords were forcing conversions, garrisoning Nagasaki, participating in the slave trade of other Japanese, and allegedly slaughtering horses and oxen, which offended his Buddhist sentiments. The edict banned missionaries and ordered their expulsion, reflecting Hideyoshi's growing suspicion of Christianity's political and social implications.
  • What role did the 'Bateren Edict' play in Toyotomi Hideyoshi's strategy to unify Japan and manage foreign relations?: The Bateren Edict, issued in 1587, was a key component of Toyotomi Hideyoshi's strategy to unify Japan and manage foreign relations. By expelling Christian missionaries and pressuring Christian daimyo to abandon their faith, Hideyoshi aimed to consolidate his authority, prevent potential foreign interference, and align his policies with his declared divine right and ambitions for foreign conquests. The edict reflected his desire to control external influences while securing Japan's internal stability and his own power.
  • How did the Japanese government's policies, particularly the Bateren Expulsion Edict, reflect a blend of religious nativism and military strategy?: Toyotomi Hideyoshi's Bateren Expulsion Edict exemplified a blend of religious nativism and military strategy. By declaring Japan a divine nation ('Shinkoku') and deeming Christian teachings incompatible with Japan's syncretic traditions, Hideyoshi invoked religious nativism to justify the expulsion. Simultaneously, the edict served his military and diplomatic strategy, as he harbored ambitions for foreign conquests and viewed missionaries and Christian daimyo as potential obstacles to his expansionist goals and consolidation of power.

How did the Protestant nations of the Netherlands and England influence the Catholic presence in Japan?

Answer: They advised the Shogunate that Spain had territorial ambitions linked to Catholicism.

Protestant traders informed the Japanese authorities about perceived Spanish colonial ambitions tied to Catholicism, influencing the Shogunate's policies against the Iberian powers.

Related Concepts:

  • How did the Protestant nations of the Netherlands and England influence the Catholic presence in Japan during the early 17th century?: The Netherlands and England challenged the Roman Catholic world order established by Portugal and Spain. As trade competitors, these Protestant nations engaged in campaigns against Catholicism, advising the Japanese Shogunate that Spain had territorial ambitions linked to Catholicism. This advocacy adversely affected the Shogunate's policies toward the Iberian kingdoms, contributing to the eventual isolationist policies of Japan.
  • How did the Edo Shogunate's anti-Christian policies affect European traders, particularly the Dutch and English?: The Edo Shogunate's stringent ban on Christianity extended to Protestant Europeans, including the Dutch and English. The Shogunate viewed Protestant and Catholic doctrines as fundamentally similar, labeling the Dutch as 'Kirishitan' and imposing severe restrictions. This included the demolition of the Dutch warehouse in Hirado for bearing a Christian year and the desecration of a Dutch cemetery. The Dutch were confined to Dejima island, with strict prohibitions against practicing or displaying any Christian symbols or rituals.

Which of the following was NOT cited as a concern leading to Toyotomi Hideyoshi's Bateren Expulsion Edict in 1587?

Answer: The spread of Buddhist teachings

Concerns cited included forced conversions, disruption of livestock, and potential territorial concessions, but not the spread of Buddhism.

Related Concepts:

  • What were the primary reasons cited for Toyotomi Hideyoshi's promulgation of the Bateren Expulsion Edict in 1587?: Toyotomi Hideyoshi issued the Bateren Expulsion Edict in 1587 due to several concerns. He was alarmed by reports that Christian lords were forcing conversions, garrisoning Nagasaki, participating in the slave trade of other Japanese, and allegedly slaughtering horses and oxen, which offended his Buddhist sentiments. The edict banned missionaries and ordered their expulsion, reflecting Hideyoshi's growing suspicion of Christianity's political and social implications.
  • What were the main arguments presented by historians regarding the causes of Toyotomi Hideyoshi's Bateren Expulsion Edict?: Historians suggest that Toyotomi Hideyoshi's Bateren Expulsion Edict in 1587 was driven by a combination of factors beyond just religious concerns. These include his declaration of Japan as a divine nation ('Shinkoku'), his military and diplomatic strategy for potential foreign conquests, fears of a political threat from Christian daimyo potentially ceding control to foreign powers, and concerns about economic issues like labor force depletion due to the Portuguese slave trade. While iconoclasm was cited, Hideyoshi's own history of attacking Buddhist institutions suggests this was a pretext. The edict's motives are seen as complex, involving religious nativism, geopolitical ambitions, and a desire to consolidate absolute authority.
  • How did the Kirishitan community in Japan adapt their religious practices to survive periods of persecution?: During periods of intense persecution, such as under the Tokugawa Shogunate, the Kirishitan community adapted by practicing their faith in secret, becoming known as 'Kakure Kirishitan' (Hidden Christians). They developed underground organizations and relied on oral traditions to transmit religious knowledge, including biblical phrases and prayers, from one generation to the next. They also assigned specific roles within their communities, such as 'mizukata,' to perform essential rites like baptism, ensuring the continuity of their faith without direct European clerical oversight.

What event involving a shipwrecked Spanish vessel made Toyotomi Hideyoshi suspicious of Christianity's potential colonial ambitions?

Answer: The San Felipe Incident

The San Felipe incident, where a Spanish captain spoke of conquest, heightened Hideyoshi's suspicions regarding the political intentions behind Christianity.

Related Concepts:

  • How did the San Felipe incident in 1596 influence Toyotomi Hideyoshi's perception of Christianity in Japan?: The San Felipe incident, involving a shipwrecked Spanish trading vessel, became a turning point for Catholic missions in Japan. The Spanish captain allegedly boasted about Spanish colonial ambitions, claiming that missionaries were preparing Japan for conquest. These claims made Hideyoshi suspicious of Christianity, leading him to curb its influence while attempting to maintain trade relations with Portugal and Spain.
  • How did the San Felipe incident in 1596 influence Toyotomi Hideyoshi's perception of Christianity in Japan?: The San Felipe incident, involving a shipwrecked Spanish trading vessel, became a turning point for Catholic missions in Japan. The Spanish captain allegedly boasted about Spanish colonial ambitions, claiming that missionaries were preparing Japan for conquest. These claims made Hideyoshi suspicious of Christianity, leading him to curb its influence while attempting to maintain trade relations with Portugal and Spain.

How did the Edo Shogunate treat the Dutch warehouse in Hirado due to its association with Christianity?

Answer: It was demolished for bearing a Christian year.

The Shogunate took punitive measures against foreign facilities, including the demolition of the Dutch warehouse for displaying Christian markers.

Related Concepts:

  • How did the Edo Shogunate's anti-Christian policies affect European traders, particularly the Dutch and English?: The Edo Shogunate's stringent ban on Christianity extended to Protestant Europeans, including the Dutch and English. The Shogunate viewed Protestant and Catholic doctrines as fundamentally similar, labeling the Dutch as 'Kirishitan' and imposing severe restrictions. This included the demolition of the Dutch warehouse in Hirado for bearing a Christian year and the desecration of a Dutch cemetery. The Dutch were confined to Dejima island, with strict prohibitions against practicing or displaying any Christian symbols or rituals.

Historians suggest that Toyotomi Hideyoshi's Bateren Expulsion Edict was influenced by his declaration of Japan as a:

Answer: Divine Nation ('Shinkoku')

Hideyoshi's proclamation of Japan as a 'Shinkoku' (Divine Nation) served as a justification for asserting cultural and religious exclusivity.

Related Concepts:

  • What were the main arguments presented by historians regarding the causes of Toyotomi Hideyoshi's Bateren Expulsion Edict?: Historians suggest that Toyotomi Hideyoshi's Bateren Expulsion Edict in 1587 was driven by a combination of factors beyond just religious concerns. These include his declaration of Japan as a divine nation ('Shinkoku'), his military and diplomatic strategy for potential foreign conquests, fears of a political threat from Christian daimyo potentially ceding control to foreign powers, and concerns about economic issues like labor force depletion due to the Portuguese slave trade. While iconoclasm was cited, Hideyoshi's own history of attacking Buddhist institutions suggests this was a pretext. The edict's motives are seen as complex, involving religious nativism, geopolitical ambitions, and a desire to consolidate absolute authority.
  • How did the Japanese government's policies, particularly the Bateren Expulsion Edict, reflect a blend of religious nativism and military strategy?: Toyotomi Hideyoshi's Bateren Expulsion Edict exemplified a blend of religious nativism and military strategy. By declaring Japan a divine nation ('Shinkoku') and deeming Christian teachings incompatible with Japan's syncretic traditions, Hideyoshi invoked religious nativism to justify the expulsion. Simultaneously, the edict served his military and diplomatic strategy, as he harbored ambitions for foreign conquests and viewed missionaries and Christian daimyo as potential obstacles to his expansionist goals and consolidation of power.
  • How did the concept of 'Shinkoku' influence Hideyoshi's policies towards Christianity?: Hideyoshi declared Japan a 'Shinkoku' (Land of the Gods), asserting that Christian teachings were incompatible with Japan's syncretic religious traditions. This concept served as a justification for expelling missionaries and suppressing Christianity, framing it as a foreign doctrine that threatened the purity and divine nature of Japan. His push for his own deification likely fueled this religious nativism, as he may have perceived Christianity as an obstacle to his absolute authority and divine status.

What was the primary impact of the Sakoku Edict on the Kirishitan community?

Answer: It drove the remaining Catholic community underground as 'Kakure Kirishitan.'

The edict intensified persecution, forcing the clandestine continuation of Catholic practices among the 'Kakure Kirishitan.'

Related Concepts:

  • What was the impact of the 'Sakoku Edict' on the Kirishitan community and foreign relations?: The Sakoku Edict, issued by Tokugawa Iemitsu, significantly restricted foreign interaction and effectively isolated Japan. This policy intensified the persecution of Christians, driving the remaining Catholic community underground as 'Kakure Kirishitan.' The edict also led to the expulsion of European missionaries and severely limited contact with European powers, shaping Japan's foreign relations for over two centuries and reinforcing the shogunate's control over religious and social life.

Persecution and Resistance

The Tokugawa Shogunate used 'fumi-e' as a method to identify and expose practicing Catholics by forcing them to step on images.

Answer: True

'Fumi-e' was a practice where individuals were compelled to trample on sacred images to demonstrate their non-Christian status.

Related Concepts:

  • What was the significance of the 'fumi-e' practice introduced by the Tokugawa Shogunate?: The Tokugawa Shogunate used 'fumi-e' as a method to identify and expose practicing Catholics and their sympathizers. These were images, typically of the Virgin Mary or Christ, which individuals were forced to step on. Those who showed reluctance or refused to trample on the pictures were identified as Christians, taken to Nagasaki, and subjected to torture or execution if they did not renounce their faith.

The Shimabara Rebellion intensified Tokugawa Iemitsu's anti-Christian stance, leading to reinforced isolationist policies.

Answer: True

The rebellion solidified the Shogunate's resolve against Christianity, contributing to stricter enforcement of isolationist policies.

Related Concepts:

  • What role did the Shimabara Rebellion play in the Tokugawa Shogunate's policies towards Christians?: The Shimabara Rebellion in 1637, led by Amakusa Shirō Tokisada, began over economic hardship and government oppression but developed a religious dimension. Although crushed by the shogunate, the rebellion intensified the ruling shogun Tokugawa Iemitsu's anti-Christian stance. This led to severe measures, including the deportation of many Japanese Christians and the reinforcement of the Sakoku Edict, which restricted foreign interaction and effectively isolated Japan.
  • How did the Edo Shogunate's anti-Christian policies affect European traders, particularly the Dutch and English?: The Edo Shogunate's stringent ban on Christianity extended to Protestant Europeans, including the Dutch and English. The Shogunate viewed Protestant and Catholic doctrines as fundamentally similar, labeling the Dutch as 'Kirishitan' and imposing severe restrictions. This included the demolition of the Dutch warehouse in Hirado for bearing a Christian year and the desecration of a Dutch cemetery. The Dutch were confined to Dejima island, with strict prohibitions against practicing or displaying any Christian symbols or rituals.

'Kakure Kirishitan' maintained their faith through oral traditions.

Answer: True

Hidden Christians, or 'Kakure Kirishitan,' preserved their faith primarily through the oral transmission of prayers and religious teachings.

Related Concepts:

  • What were the 'Kakure Kirishitan,' and how did they maintain their faith during periods of persecution?: The 'Kakure Kirishitan,' or 'Hidden Christians,' were Japanese Catholics who practiced their faith in secrecy after Christianity was banned and openly persecuted by the Tokugawa Shogunate. They maintained their faith through oral traditions, passing down biblical phrases and prayers from parent to child. Within their underground communities, secret roles ('mizukata') were assigned to baptize children, demonstrating remarkable resilience and community organization despite continuous government efforts to expose them.
  • How did the Kirishitan community in Japan adapt their religious practices to survive periods of persecution?: During periods of intense persecution, such as under the Tokugawa Shogunate, the Kirishitan community adapted by practicing their faith in secret, becoming known as 'Kakure Kirishitan' (Hidden Christians). They developed underground organizations and relied on oral traditions to transmit religious knowledge, including biblical phrases and prayers, from one generation to the next. They also assigned specific roles within their communities, such as 'mizukata,' to perform essential rites like baptism, ensuring the continuity of their faith without direct European clerical oversight.
  • How did the Japanese Christian community in Nagasaki demonstrate resilience during periods of intense persecution?: The Japanese Christian community in Nagasaki demonstrated remarkable resilience during intense persecution by maintaining their faith underground as 'Kakure Kirishitan.' They developed secret organizations, passed down religious knowledge orally, and assigned specific roles for essential rites like baptism. Despite the government's use of 'fumi-e' and other measures to expose them, these communities persisted for centuries, showcasing a deep commitment to their beliefs.

The execution of the Twenty-six Martyrs of Japan in 1597 was triggered by the construction of a Franciscan church in Kyoto.

Answer: True

The construction of a Franciscan church in Kyoto was cited as a primary catalyst for the executions of the Twenty-six Martyrs.

Related Concepts:

  • What is the significance of the 'Twenty-six Martyrs of Japan' executed in Nagasaki in 1597?: The execution of the Twenty-six Martyrs of Japan in Nagasaki in 1597 marked a significant escalation in the persecution of Christians under Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Triggered by the construction of a lavish Franciscan church in Kyoto, which was deemed an act of lèse-majesté, these executions symbolized the shogunate's growing intolerance towards Christianity and its determination to assert political authority over religious activities.
  • How did the Japanese government's view of Christianity evolve from the period of Oda Nobunaga to that of Tokugawa Ieyasu?: During Oda Nobunaga's rule, Christianity was generally tolerated, and he favored Jesuit missionaries like Luís Fróis, though he did not enact significant pro-Catholic policies. However, after Hideyoshi's reunification and subsequent suspicions, Christianity faced increasing restrictions, culminating in the Bateren Expulsion Edict. Tokugawa Ieyasu initially maintained a pragmatic approach, prioritizing trade, but eventually decided to ban Catholicism entirely in 1614, viewing it as a destabilizing force and a potential threat linked to foreign powers.
  • What challenges did the Jesuits face in their efforts to curb the Portuguese slave trade involving Japanese individuals?: The Jesuits faced significant challenges in curbing the Portuguese slave trade. Despite securing royal decrees banning the trade and attempting reforms like converting perpetual slavery into indentured servitude, they encountered fierce opposition from local Portuguese elites. Furthermore, the Jesuits lacked the direct authority to enforce these bans effectively, and their efforts were often undermined by the complex socio-political realities and economic interests prevalent at the time. Their compromises, such as signing temporary ownership certificates, highlight the difficult balance they struck between moral ideals and practical limitations.

The Ōura Church became a site where hidden Kirishitan revealed themselves to French priests in 1865.

Answer: True

The Ōura Church served as a crucial location for the re-emergence of hidden Christian communities during the Meiji Restoration period.

Related Concepts:

  • What was the significance of the Nagasaki Catholic Center in the context of Japanese Christianity?: The Nagasaki Catholic Center, established by the Paris Foreign Missions Society, played a role in the rediscovery of Christianity in Japan. The Ōura Church, built by this society, became a site where hidden Kirishitan, who had maintained their faith for centuries, revealed themselves to French priests in 1865. This event led to the recognition of the long-standing underground Christian communities and surprised the Christian world, highlighting the enduring legacy of faith despite persecution.

The 'terauke seido' system required individuals to register with Buddhist temples to prove they were not Christians.

Answer: True

This system mandated registration with Buddhist temples, effectively making them instruments for verifying non-Christian status and ensuring social conformity.

Related Concepts:

  • How did the Tokugawa Shogunate attempt to control religious adherence among its subjects?: The Tokugawa Shogunate implemented strict measures to control religious adherence, most notably by banning Christianity. In 1614, they required all subjects to register at their local Buddhist temple, a practice that became an annual requirement ('terauke seido'). This system cemented Buddhist temples as instruments of state control, used to verify that individuals were not Christians and to ensure social orthodoxy and loyalty to the regime.
  • What was the role of the 'terauke seido' system in the Tokugawa Shogunate's control over the population?: The 'terauke seido,' or 'temple guarantee system,' was a Tokugawa Shogunate policy established in 1614 that required all subjects to register at their local Buddhist temple. This system made Buddhist ecclesiastical establishments responsible for verifying that individuals were not Christians. By the 1630s, certificates of affiliation with a Buddhist temple became proof of religious orthodoxy, social acceptability, and loyalty to the regime, effectively integrating religious control into state administration.

The Catholic Church does not consider the participants of the Shimabara Rebellion to be martyrs for their faith.

Answer: True

The Church's position is that the rebellion's primary motivations were materialistic and socio-economic, rather than purely religious martyrdom.

Related Concepts:

  • What is the Catholic Church's view on the participants of the Shimabara Rebellion in relation to martyrdom?: The Catholic Church does not consider the participants of the Shimabara Rebellion to be martyrs. This is because they took up arms primarily for materialistic reasons, such as economic hardship and government oppression, rather than solely for their religious faith. While the rebellion had a religious dimension, its core motivations were not seen as purely religious martyrdom by the Church.
  • What was the significance of the 'Nanban trade period' in the context of Kirishitan history?: The 'Nanban trade period' refers to the era when Portuguese and Spanish traders, known as 'Nanban' (Southern Barbarians), first arrived in Japan, bringing with them Christianity. This period, roughly from the mid-16th to the early 17th century, saw the initial introduction and spread of Catholicism, the establishment of missions, and significant cultural exchange, but also led to political tensions and eventual persecution of Christians.

What was the purpose of the 'fumi-e' practice implemented by the Tokugawa Shogunate?

Answer: To identify and expose practicing Catholics

The 'fumi-e' practice served as a state-sponsored method for detecting and persecuting individuals adhering to Catholicism.

Related Concepts:

  • What was the significance of the 'fumi-e' practice introduced by the Tokugawa Shogunate?: The Tokugawa Shogunate used 'fumi-e' as a method to identify and expose practicing Catholics and their sympathizers. These were images, typically of the Virgin Mary or Christ, which individuals were forced to step on. Those who showed reluctance or refused to trample on the pictures were identified as Christians, taken to Nagasaki, and subjected to torture or execution if they did not renounce their faith.

The Shimabara Rebellion, though starting over economic hardship, intensified the Shogunate's stance against which religion?

Answer: Christianity

The rebellion, which had a significant Christian component, led the Shogunate to adopt a more severe stance against Christianity.

Related Concepts:

  • What role did the Shimabara Rebellion play in the Tokugawa Shogunate's policies towards Christians?: The Shimabara Rebellion in 1637, led by Amakusa Shirō Tokisada, began over economic hardship and government oppression but developed a religious dimension. Although crushed by the shogunate, the rebellion intensified the ruling shogun Tokugawa Iemitsu's anti-Christian stance. This led to severe measures, including the deportation of many Japanese Christians and the reinforcement of the Sakoku Edict, which restricted foreign interaction and effectively isolated Japan.

How did the 'Kakure Kirishitan' primarily maintain their faith during periods of persecution?

Answer: Through oral traditions and passing down prayers.

The preservation of faith relied heavily on oral transmission of prayers, biblical phrases, and religious knowledge across generations.

Related Concepts:

  • What were the 'Kakure Kirishitan,' and how did they maintain their faith during periods of persecution?: The 'Kakure Kirishitan,' or 'Hidden Christians,' were Japanese Catholics who practiced their faith in secrecy after Christianity was banned and openly persecuted by the Tokugawa Shogunate. They maintained their faith through oral traditions, passing down biblical phrases and prayers from parent to child. Within their underground communities, secret roles ('mizukata') were assigned to baptize children, demonstrating remarkable resilience and community organization despite continuous government efforts to expose them.
  • How did the Kirishitan community in Japan adapt their religious practices to survive periods of persecution?: During periods of intense persecution, such as under the Tokugawa Shogunate, the Kirishitan community adapted by practicing their faith in secret, becoming known as 'Kakure Kirishitan' (Hidden Christians). They developed underground organizations and relied on oral traditions to transmit religious knowledge, including biblical phrases and prayers, from one generation to the next. They also assigned specific roles within their communities, such as 'mizukata,' to perform essential rites like baptism, ensuring the continuity of their faith without direct European clerical oversight.
  • How did the Japanese Christian community in Nagasaki demonstrate resilience during periods of intense persecution?: The Japanese Christian community in Nagasaki demonstrated remarkable resilience during intense persecution by maintaining their faith underground as 'Kakure Kirishitan.' They developed secret organizations, passed down religious knowledge orally, and assigned specific roles for essential rites like baptism. Despite the government's use of 'fumi-e' and other measures to expose them, these communities persisted for centuries, showcasing a deep commitment to their beliefs.

The execution of the Twenty-six Martyrs of Japan in 1597 was a response to:

Answer: The construction of a Franciscan church in Kyoto

The construction of a Franciscan church was identified as a key factor leading to the execution of the Twenty-six Martyrs.

Related Concepts:

  • What is the significance of the 'Twenty-six Martyrs of Japan' executed in Nagasaki in 1597?: The execution of the Twenty-six Martyrs of Japan in Nagasaki in 1597 marked a significant escalation in the persecution of Christians under Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Triggered by the construction of a lavish Franciscan church in Kyoto, which was deemed an act of lèse-majesté, these executions symbolized the shogunate's growing intolerance towards Christianity and its determination to assert political authority over religious activities.
  • How did the Japanese government's view of Christianity evolve from the period of Oda Nobunaga to that of Tokugawa Ieyasu?: During Oda Nobunaga's rule, Christianity was generally tolerated, and he favored Jesuit missionaries like Luís Fróis, though he did not enact significant pro-Catholic policies. However, after Hideyoshi's reunification and subsequent suspicions, Christianity faced increasing restrictions, culminating in the Bateren Expulsion Edict. Tokugawa Ieyasu initially maintained a pragmatic approach, prioritizing trade, but eventually decided to ban Catholicism entirely in 1614, viewing it as a destabilizing force and a potential threat linked to foreign powers.
  • What is the significance of the 'Twenty-six Martyrs of Japan' executed in Nagasaki in 1597?: The execution of the Twenty-six Martyrs of Japan in Nagasaki in 1597 marked a significant escalation in the persecution of Christians under Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Triggered by the construction of a lavish Franciscan church in Kyoto, which was deemed an act of lèse-majesté, these executions symbolized the shogunate's growing intolerance towards Christianity and its determination to assert political authority over religious activities.

Which policy of the Tokugawa Shogunate required subjects to register at their local Buddhist temple?

Answer: Terauke Seido

The 'terauke seido' mandated registration with Buddhist temples as a means of verifying non-Christian affiliation.

Related Concepts:

  • How did the Tokugawa Shogunate attempt to control religious adherence among its subjects?: The Tokugawa Shogunate implemented strict measures to control religious adherence, most notably by banning Christianity. In 1614, they required all subjects to register at their local Buddhist temple, a practice that became an annual requirement ('terauke seido'). This system cemented Buddhist temples as instruments of state control, used to verify that individuals were not Christians and to ensure social orthodoxy and loyalty to the regime.
  • What was the role of the 'terauke seido' system in the Tokugawa Shogunate's control over the population?: The 'terauke seido,' or 'temple guarantee system,' was a Tokugawa Shogunate policy established in 1614 that required all subjects to register at their local Buddhist temple. This system made Buddhist ecclesiastical establishments responsible for verifying that individuals were not Christians. By the 1630s, certificates of affiliation with a Buddhist temple became proof of religious orthodoxy, social acceptability, and loyalty to the regime, effectively integrating religious control into state administration.

The Catholic Church's stance on the Shimabara Rebellion participants is that they are not martyrs because:

Answer: They took up arms primarily for materialistic reasons.

The Church does not recognize them as martyrs because their rebellion was perceived to be motivated primarily by socio-economic grievances rather than solely religious conviction.

Related Concepts:

  • What is the Catholic Church's view on the participants of the Shimabara Rebellion in relation to martyrdom?: The Catholic Church does not consider the participants of the Shimabara Rebellion to be martyrs. This is because they took up arms primarily for materialistic reasons, such as economic hardship and government oppression, rather than solely for their religious faith. While the rebellion had a religious dimension, its core motivations were not seen as purely religious martyrdom by the Church.
  • What was the significance of the 'Nanban trade period' in the context of Kirishitan history?: The 'Nanban trade period' refers to the era when Portuguese and Spanish traders, known as 'Nanban' (Southern Barbarians), first arrived in Japan, bringing with them Christianity. This period, roughly from the mid-16th to the early 17th century, saw the initial introduction and spread of Catholicism, the establishment of missions, and significant cultural exchange, but also led to political tensions and eventual persecution of Christians.

What historical event intensified Tokugawa Iemitsu's anti-Christian stance and led to reinforced isolationist policies?

Answer: The Shimabara Rebellion

The Shimabara Rebellion significantly hardened Tokugawa Iemitsu's resolve against Christianity, leading to stricter enforcement of isolationist policies.

Related Concepts:

  • What role did the Shimabara Rebellion play in the Tokugawa Shogunate's policies towards Christians?: The Shimabara Rebellion in 1637, led by Amakusa Shirō Tokisada, began over economic hardship and government oppression but developed a religious dimension. Although crushed by the shogunate, the rebellion intensified the ruling shogun Tokugawa Iemitsu's anti-Christian stance. This led to severe measures, including the deportation of many Japanese Christians and the reinforcement of the Sakoku Edict, which restricted foreign interaction and effectively isolated Japan.
  • How did the Edo Shogunate's anti-Christian policies affect European traders, particularly the Dutch and English?: The Edo Shogunate's stringent ban on Christianity extended to Protestant Europeans, including the Dutch and English. The Shogunate viewed Protestant and Catholic doctrines as fundamentally similar, labeling the Dutch as 'Kirishitan' and imposing severe restrictions. This included the demolition of the Dutch warehouse in Hirado for bearing a Christian year and the desecration of a Dutch cemetery. The Dutch were confined to Dejima island, with strict prohibitions against practicing or displaying any Christian symbols or rituals.

What was the primary purpose of the 'terauke seido' system established by the Tokugawa Shogunate?

Answer: To verify that individuals were not Christians and ensure social orthodoxy.

The system aimed to confirm individuals' non-Christian status and maintain social order by linking registration to Buddhist temples.

Related Concepts:

  • How did the Tokugawa Shogunate attempt to control religious adherence among its subjects?: The Tokugawa Shogunate implemented strict measures to control religious adherence, most notably by banning Christianity. In 1614, they required all subjects to register at their local Buddhist temple, a practice that became an annual requirement ('terauke seido'). This system cemented Buddhist temples as instruments of state control, used to verify that individuals were not Christians and to ensure social orthodoxy and loyalty to the regime.
  • What was the role of the 'terauke seido' system in the Tokugawa Shogunate's control over the population?: The 'terauke seido,' or 'temple guarantee system,' was a Tokugawa Shogunate policy established in 1614 that required all subjects to register at their local Buddhist temple. This system made Buddhist ecclesiastical establishments responsible for verifying that individuals were not Christians. By the 1630s, certificates of affiliation with a Buddhist temple became proof of religious orthodoxy, social acceptability, and loyalty to the regime, effectively integrating religious control into state administration.

Socio-Economic Impact and Controversies

The Jesuits primarily funded their missionary activities through trade profits and commercial activities.

Answer: True

Jesuit missions often covered their expenses through profits generated from trade, including the silk trade between Macau and Nagasaki.

Related Concepts:

  • In what ways did the Jesuits engage in economic activities in Japan, and what controversies arose from these activities?: The Jesuits engaged in economic activities to maintain self-sufficiency, often covering missionary expenses through trade profits. They participated in the Portuguese silk trade between Macau and Nagasaki, dealing in various goods including silk fabrics, gold, and musk. They also expanded into unauthorized markets and sometimes dealt in military supplies and slavery. These commercial activities generated controversy, as they were seen by some, particularly mendicant orders, as contrary to the ideal of honorable poverty and potentially corrupting the mission's purpose.

Missionaries sometimes engaged in military actions or provided military support to local leaders.

Answer: True

Historical accounts indicate that missionaries occasionally provided military support to Christian daimyo facing threats from rivals.

Related Concepts:

  • What military activities were associated with missionaries in Japan, and what were their motivations?: Missionaries were not averse to taking military action if they believed it would aid Christianization. They sometimes associated military action in Japan with the potential conquest of China, believing well-trained Japanese soldiers could assist in such endeavors. Furthermore, Jesuits provided military support to Kirishitan daimyo when they were threatened by non-Christian daimyo, as seen in their support for Ōmura Sumitada and Arima Harunobu.

The Goa Council of 1567 advised missionaries to ensure Japanese servants were released once their labor adequately compensated their protectors.

Answer: True

The council recommended that servants who offered themselves for labor during times of hardship should be released once their service adequately compensated their benefactors.

Related Concepts:

  • How did the Goa Council of 1567 address the issue of Japanese servitude and missionary interventions?: The Goa Council of 1567 advised missionaries to recommend the release of Japanese servants once their labor adequately compensated the protection or sustenance they received, particularly in cases where individuals offered themselves for labor during famines or disasters. The council also permitted Christians to ransom unjustly condemned criminals, allowing the rescued individuals to serve as servants in return, provided no one was forced to contribute funds without compensation. Additionally, Jesuits advised against enslaving the wives and children of punished criminals and supported freeing women who sought refuge from abusive family members.
  • What were the primary reasons cited for Toyotomi Hideyoshi's promulgation of the Bateren Expulsion Edict in 1587?: Toyotomi Hideyoshi issued the Bateren Expulsion Edict in 1587 due to several concerns. He was alarmed by reports that Christian lords were forcing conversions, garrisoning Nagasaki, participating in the slave trade of other Japanese, and allegedly slaughtering horses and oxen, which offended his Buddhist sentiments. The edict banned missionaries and ordered their expulsion, reflecting Hideyoshi's growing suspicion of Christianity's political and social implications.

Toyotomi Hideyoshi's administration actively encouraged the enslavement of Koreans during the invasions of Korea.

Answer: True

Historical records indicate that Hideyoshi's military campaigns included the systematic enslavement of Korean populations.

Related Concepts:

  • How did the Japanese government's policies, particularly the Bateren Expulsion Edict, reflect a blend of religious nativism and military strategy?: Toyotomi Hideyoshi's Bateren Expulsion Edict exemplified a blend of religious nativism and military strategy. By declaring Japan a divine nation ('Shinkoku') and deeming Christian teachings incompatible with Japan's syncretic traditions, Hideyoshi invoked religious nativism to justify the expulsion. Simultaneously, the edict served his military and diplomatic strategy, as he harbored ambitions for foreign conquests and viewed missionaries and Christian daimyo as potential obstacles to his expansionist goals and consolidation of power.
  • How did the Japanese government's policies towards Christianity reflect a double standard or hypocrisy, according to some historians?: Some historians argue that Japanese government policies, particularly those of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, exhibited a double standard regarding slavery and foreign influence. While Hideyoshi criticized missionaries and European traders for enslaving Japanese people abroad, his own administration engaged in the widespread enslavement of Koreans during the invasions of Korea (1592-1598). This complicity in human trafficking, coupled with his tacit condoning of domestic human trafficking, suggests that his condemnation of Christianity's involvement in slavery may have been a pretext for other political or economic motives.
  • What was the significance of the 'Nippo Jisho' in facilitating communication and cultural exchange?: The 'Nippo Jisho,' the first Japanese-Portuguese dictionary, was a crucial tool for communication and cultural exchange during the Nanban trade period. Compiled by Jesuit missionaries, it enabled better understanding between Europeans and Japanese, aiding in the translation of religious texts and the dissemination of Christian ideas. Its creation facilitated the broader interaction between Japanese and Portuguese societies, impacting language, religion, and culture.

Mendicant orders primarily criticized the Jesuits for their commercial activities and perceived corruption, rather than theological interpretations.

Answer: True

The mendicant orders' criticisms focused heavily on the Jesuits' engagement in trade and alleged deviations from ideals of poverty.

Related Concepts:

  • What was the nature of the rivalry between the Jesuit missionaries and the mendicant orders regarding their activities in Japan?: A rivalry existed between the Portuguese-sponsored Jesuits and the Spanish-sponsored mendicant orders (Franciscans and Dominicans) in Japan. The mendicant orders entered Japan via Manila and criticized Jesuit activities, actively lobbying the Pope. This competition led to papal decrees that allowed Spanish friars access to Japan, sometimes overriding earlier allocations, and even caused a schism within the Diocese of Funai (Nagasaki).
  • What were the main criticisms leveled by mendicant orders against the Jesuits regarding their activities in Japan?: Mendicant orders fiercely criticized the Jesuits for their commercial activities in Japan, accusing them of being corrupt and engaging in practices contrary to the ideal of honorable poverty. They considered the Jesuits' involvement in trade, including brokering Portuguese commerce and dealing in various goods, as the primary reason for Japan's ban on Catholicism. These accusations fueled the ongoing rivalry between the Jesuit and mendicant orders over the Japanese mission.

Portuguese merchants began enslaving Japanese individuals as early as 1555.

Answer: True

Evidence suggests that the Portuguese slave trade involving Japanese individuals commenced in the mid-16th century.

Related Concepts:

  • How did the Japanese government's policies, particularly the Bateren Expulsion Edict, reflect a blend of religious nativism and military strategy?: Toyotomi Hideyoshi's Bateren Expulsion Edict exemplified a blend of religious nativism and military strategy. By declaring Japan a divine nation ('Shinkoku') and deeming Christian teachings incompatible with Japan's syncretic traditions, Hideyoshi invoked religious nativism to justify the expulsion. Simultaneously, the edict served his military and diplomatic strategy, as he harbored ambitions for foreign conquests and viewed missionaries and Christian daimyo as potential obstacles to his expansionist goals and consolidation of power.
  • What challenges did the Jesuits face in their efforts to curb the Portuguese slave trade involving Japanese individuals?: The Jesuits faced significant challenges in curbing the Portuguese slave trade. Despite securing royal decrees banning the trade and attempting reforms like converting perpetual slavery into indentured servitude, they encountered fierce opposition from local Portuguese elites. Furthermore, the Jesuits lacked the direct authority to enforce these bans effectively, and their efforts were often undermined by the complex socio-political realities and economic interests prevalent at the time. Their compromises, such as signing temporary ownership certificates, highlight the difficult balance they struck between moral ideals and practical limitations.
  • What does the historical record suggest about the extent of the Portuguese slave trade involving Japanese individuals?: Historical records suggest that Portuguese merchants began enslaving Japanese individuals as early as 1555. While specific numbers vary, estimates indicate that the Portuguese traded hundreds to thousands of Japanese slaves. Jesuit efforts to combat this trade, including securing royal decrees and attempting reforms, were largely ineffective due to weak enforcement and opposition from local Portuguese elites, allowing the trade to persist into the 17th century.

Historians suggest Toyotomi Hideyoshi's criticism of the slave trade was hypocritical due to his administration's enslavement of Koreans.

Answer: True

Hideyoshi's condemnation of slavery contrasted with his administration's active participation in the enslavement of Koreans during military campaigns.

Related Concepts:

  • How did the Japanese government's policies towards Christianity reflect a double standard or hypocrisy, according to some historians?: Some historians argue that Japanese government policies, particularly those of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, exhibited a double standard regarding slavery and foreign influence. While Hideyoshi criticized missionaries and European traders for enslaving Japanese people abroad, his own administration engaged in the widespread enslavement of Koreans during the invasions of Korea (1592-1598). This complicity in human trafficking, coupled with his tacit condoning of domestic human trafficking, suggests that his condemnation of Christianity's involvement in slavery may have been a pretext for other political or economic motives.
  • How did the Japanese government's policies towards Christianity reflect a double standard or hypocrisy, according to some historians?: Some historians argue that Japanese government policies, particularly those of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, exhibited a double standard regarding slavery and foreign influence. While Hideyoshi criticized missionaries and European traders for enslaving Japanese people abroad, his own administration engaged in the widespread enslavement of Koreans during the invasions of Korea (1592-1598). This complicity in human trafficking, coupled with his tacit condoning of domestic human trafficking, suggests that his condemnation of Christianity's involvement in slavery may have been a pretext for other political or economic motives.

What was a major point of contention between the Jesuit missionaries and the mendicant orders (Franciscans and Dominicans) in Japan?

Answer: Commercial activities and access to Japan

A significant conflict arose from the mendicant orders' accusations that the Jesuits engaged in corrupt commercial practices and sought preferential access to Japan.

Related Concepts:

  • What was the nature of the rivalry between the Jesuit missionaries and the mendicant orders regarding their activities in Japan?: A rivalry existed between the Portuguese-sponsored Jesuits and the Spanish-sponsored mendicant orders (Franciscans and Dominicans) in Japan. The mendicant orders entered Japan via Manila and criticized Jesuit activities, actively lobbying the Pope. This competition led to papal decrees that allowed Spanish friars access to Japan, sometimes overriding earlier allocations, and even caused a schism within the Diocese of Funai (Nagasaki).
  • What were the main criticisms leveled by mendicant orders against the Jesuits regarding their activities in Japan?: Mendicant orders fiercely criticized the Jesuits for their commercial activities in Japan, accusing them of being corrupt and engaging in practices contrary to the ideal of honorable poverty. They considered the Jesuits' involvement in trade, including brokering Portuguese commerce and dealing in various goods, as the primary reason for Japan's ban on Catholicism. These accusations fueled the ongoing rivalry between the Jesuit and mendicant orders over the Japanese mission.

What was a primary source of controversy regarding the Jesuits' economic activities in Japan?

Answer: They engaged in unauthorized markets and dealt in military supplies and slavery.

Controversy arose from the Jesuits' involvement in various trade activities, including those deemed unauthorized and potentially exploitative.

Related Concepts:

  • In what ways did the Jesuits engage in economic activities in Japan, and what controversies arose from these activities?: The Jesuits engaged in economic activities to maintain self-sufficiency, often covering missionary expenses through trade profits. They participated in the Portuguese silk trade between Macau and Nagasaki, dealing in various goods including silk fabrics, gold, and musk. They also expanded into unauthorized markets and sometimes dealt in military supplies and slavery. These commercial activities generated controversy, as they were seen by some, particularly mendicant orders, as contrary to the ideal of honorable poverty and potentially corrupting the mission's purpose.
  • What were the main criticisms leveled by mendicant orders against the Jesuits regarding their activities in Japan?: Mendicant orders fiercely criticized the Jesuits for their commercial activities in Japan, accusing them of being corrupt and engaging in practices contrary to the ideal of honorable poverty. They considered the Jesuits' involvement in trade, including brokering Portuguese commerce and dealing in various goods, as the primary reason for Japan's ban on Catholicism. These accusations fueled the ongoing rivalry between the Jesuit and mendicant orders over the Japanese mission.

According to the source, missionaries sometimes provided military support to which group?

Answer: Kirishitan daimyo threatened by rivals

Missionaries occasionally offered military assistance to Christian daimyo who were facing threats from opposing factions.

Related Concepts:

  • What military activities were associated with missionaries in Japan, and what were their motivations?: Missionaries were not averse to taking military action if they believed it would aid Christianization. They sometimes associated military action in Japan with the potential conquest of China, believing well-trained Japanese soldiers could assist in such endeavors. Furthermore, Jesuits provided military support to Kirishitan daimyo when they were threatened by non-Christian daimyo, as seen in their support for Ōmura Sumitada and Arima Harunobu.

The Goa Council of 1567 advised that Japanese individuals who offered themselves for labor during famines could be:

Answer: Released once their labor compensated their protectors

The council recommended the release of such individuals once their labor had sufficiently compensated those who provided them sustenance or protection.

Related Concepts:

  • How did the Goa Council of 1567 address the issue of Japanese servitude and missionary interventions?: The Goa Council of 1567 advised missionaries to recommend the release of Japanese servants once their labor adequately compensated the protection or sustenance they received, particularly in cases where individuals offered themselves for labor during famines or disasters. The council also permitted Christians to ransom unjustly condemned criminals, allowing the rescued individuals to serve as servants in return, provided no one was forced to contribute funds without compensation. Additionally, Jesuits advised against enslaving the wives and children of punished criminals and supported freeing women who sought refuge from abusive family members.
  • What were the primary reasons cited for Toyotomi Hideyoshi's promulgation of the Bateren Expulsion Edict in 1587?: Toyotomi Hideyoshi issued the Bateren Expulsion Edict in 1587 due to several concerns. He was alarmed by reports that Christian lords were forcing conversions, garrisoning Nagasaki, participating in the slave trade of other Japanese, and allegedly slaughtering horses and oxen, which offended his Buddhist sentiments. The edict banned missionaries and ordered their expulsion, reflecting Hideyoshi's growing suspicion of Christianity's political and social implications.

Which of the following actions did Toyotomi Hideyoshi's administration take regarding the slave trade?

Answer: Actively encouraged the enslavement of Koreans during invasions.

Hideyoshi's administration facilitated the enslavement of Koreans during military campaigns, indicating a complex stance on the issue of human trafficking.

Related Concepts:

  • How did the Japanese government's policies, particularly the Bateren Expulsion Edict, reflect a blend of religious nativism and military strategy?: Toyotomi Hideyoshi's Bateren Expulsion Edict exemplified a blend of religious nativism and military strategy. By declaring Japan a divine nation ('Shinkoku') and deeming Christian teachings incompatible with Japan's syncretic traditions, Hideyoshi invoked religious nativism to justify the expulsion. Simultaneously, the edict served his military and diplomatic strategy, as he harbored ambitions for foreign conquests and viewed missionaries and Christian daimyo as potential obstacles to his expansionist goals and consolidation of power.
  • How did the Japanese government's policies towards Christianity reflect a double standard or hypocrisy, according to some historians?: Some historians argue that Japanese government policies, particularly those of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, exhibited a double standard regarding slavery and foreign influence. While Hideyoshi criticized missionaries and European traders for enslaving Japanese people abroad, his own administration engaged in the widespread enslavement of Koreans during the invasions of Korea (1592-1598). This complicity in human trafficking, coupled with his tacit condoning of domestic human trafficking, suggests that his condemnation of Christianity's involvement in slavery may have been a pretext for other political or economic motives.
  • What was the significance of the 'Nippo Jisho' in facilitating communication and cultural exchange?: The 'Nippo Jisho,' the first Japanese-Portuguese dictionary, was a crucial tool for communication and cultural exchange during the Nanban trade period. Compiled by Jesuit missionaries, it enabled better understanding between Europeans and Japanese, aiding in the translation of religious texts and the dissemination of Christian ideas. Its creation facilitated the broader interaction between Japanese and Portuguese societies, impacting language, religion, and culture.

What criticisms did mendicant orders level against the Jesuits regarding their activities in Japan?

Answer: They were corrupt and engaged in practices contrary to honorable poverty.

Mendicant orders accused the Jesuits of corruption and engaging in activities inconsistent with the principle of honorable poverty.

Related Concepts:

  • What was the nature of the rivalry between the Jesuit missionaries and the mendicant orders regarding their activities in Japan?: A rivalry existed between the Portuguese-sponsored Jesuits and the Spanish-sponsored mendicant orders (Franciscans and Dominicans) in Japan. The mendicant orders entered Japan via Manila and criticized Jesuit activities, actively lobbying the Pope. This competition led to papal decrees that allowed Spanish friars access to Japan, sometimes overriding earlier allocations, and even caused a schism within the Diocese of Funai (Nagasaki).
  • What were the main criticisms leveled by mendicant orders against the Jesuits regarding their activities in Japan?: Mendicant orders fiercely criticized the Jesuits for their commercial activities in Japan, accusing them of being corrupt and engaging in practices contrary to the ideal of honorable poverty. They considered the Jesuits' involvement in trade, including brokering Portuguese commerce and dealing in various goods, as the primary reason for Japan's ban on Catholicism. These accusations fueled the ongoing rivalry between the Jesuit and mendicant orders over the Japanese mission.

What historical evidence suggests a potential hypocrisy in Toyotomi Hideyoshi's policies towards slavery?

Answer: His administration enslaved Koreans during the invasions of Korea.

Hideyoshi's administration's practice of enslaving Koreans during military campaigns raises questions about the sincerity of his criticisms regarding slavery.

Related Concepts:

  • How did the Japanese government's policies towards Christianity reflect a double standard or hypocrisy, according to some historians?: Some historians argue that Japanese government policies, particularly those of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, exhibited a double standard regarding slavery and foreign influence. While Hideyoshi criticized missionaries and European traders for enslaving Japanese people abroad, his own administration engaged in the widespread enslavement of Koreans during the invasions of Korea (1592-1598). This complicity in human trafficking, coupled with his tacit condoning of domestic human trafficking, suggests that his condemnation of Christianity's involvement in slavery may have been a pretext for other political or economic motives.
  • How did the Japanese government's policies towards Christianity reflect a double standard or hypocrisy, according to some historians?: Some historians argue that Japanese government policies, particularly those of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, exhibited a double standard regarding slavery and foreign influence. While Hideyoshi criticized missionaries and European traders for enslaving Japanese people abroad, his own administration engaged in the widespread enslavement of Koreans during the invasions of Korea (1592-1598). This complicity in human trafficking, coupled with his tacit condoning of domestic human trafficking, suggests that his condemnation of Christianity's involvement in slavery may have been a pretext for other political or economic motives.

Legacy and Cultural Representation

The Kirishitan gravestone discovered in Minamishimabara in 1929 is the oldest known inscription in Roman letters found in Japan.

Answer: True

This artifact is significant as it represents the earliest known inscription in Roman letters discovered within Japan.

Related Concepts:

  • What is the significance of the Kirishitan grave discovered in Minamishimabara in 1929?: The Kirishitan gravestone discovered in Minamishimabara in 1929 is significant as it is the oldest known inscription in Roman letters found in Japan. Dated October 16, 1610, it bears the name 'Hiri (Hori) Sakuemon Diego.' This artifact provides crucial evidence of early Christian missionary work and the presence of Christians in Japan during the early Edo period. It is now protected as a National Historic Site.

Japanese immigrants in New Spain achieved notable success in commerce and academia, despite being classified legally as 'Indios.'

Answer: True

Despite legal classifications, Japanese émigrés in New Spain demonstrated significant success in various professional and economic sectors.

Related Concepts:

  • How did the Japanese Christian community in Nagasaki earn the nickname 'the Rome of Japan'?: Nagasaki earned the nickname 'the Rome of Japan' because it became a major center for Catholic activity and Christianity in Japan. By the early 17th century, it had numerous churches, eight parishes, and a significant Christian population, with many residents being Christians. The city's strong Christian identity and its role as a hub for missionary work and conversions contributed to this appellation.
  • How did the Japanese government's policies towards Christianity reflect a double standard or hypocrisy, according to some historians?: Some historians argue that Japanese government policies, particularly those of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, exhibited a double standard regarding slavery and foreign influence. While Hideyoshi criticized missionaries and European traders for enslaving Japanese people abroad, his own administration engaged in the widespread enslavement of Koreans during the invasions of Korea (1592-1598). This complicity in human trafficking, coupled with his tacit condoning of domestic human trafficking, suggests that his condemnation of Christianity's involvement in slavery may have been a pretext for other political or economic motives.

From the Sakoku period through the 19th century, Kirishitan were often portrayed in Japanese popular culture as grotesque and sinister deceivers embodying anxieties about Western influence.

Answer: True

Literary and popular representations frequently depicted Kirishitan negatively, reflecting societal anxieties regarding foreign influence and cultural assimilation.

Related Concepts:

  • What impact did the Kirishitan presence/persecution have on modern Japanese literature and popular culture?: In modern Japanese literature and popular culture, Kirishitan are often used to symbolize Japan's fear and hatred of foreigners, reinforcing conservative ideologies and national identity. From the mid-20th century onwards, they have frequently been portrayed as negative figures, representing external threats or embodying moral panic. This portrayal aligns with theories of Japanese identity ('Nihonjinron') that emphasize Japan's exceptionalism and difference from the West, using Kirishitan stereotypes to affirm Japanese superiority and cultural homogeneity.
  • How did the Japanese government's portrayal of Kirishitan evolve in literature and popular culture from the Sakoku period through the 19th century?: From the Sakoku period through the 19th century, Kirishitan were often depicted in Japanese literature and popular culture through fabricated pseudo-histories that portrayed them as orchestrating conquests and serving as symbols of Japan's first encounter with the West. They were stereotyped as grotesque and sinister deceivers, embodying anxieties about Western influence. This evolved into fantastical villains in later folktales, serving as a foil to construct a narrative of a sacred, civilized Japan and reinforcing notions of national superiority and exceptionalism.

Nagasaki earned the nickname 'the Rome of Japan' due to its significant Catholic activity and Christian population.

Answer: True

The city's prominence as a hub for Catholic missions and its substantial Christian populace led to its appellation as 'the Rome of Japan.'

Related Concepts:

  • How did the Japanese Christian community in Nagasaki earn the nickname 'the Rome of Japan'?: Nagasaki earned the nickname 'the Rome of Japan' because it became a major center for Catholic activity and Christianity in Japan. By the early 17th century, it had numerous churches, eight parishes, and a significant Christian population, with many residents being Christians. The city's strong Christian identity and its role as a hub for missionary work and conversions contributed to this appellation.
  • How did the Japanese Christian community in Nagasaki earn the nickname 'the Rome of Japan'?: Nagasaki earned the nickname 'the Rome of Japan' because it became a major center for Catholic activity and Christianity in Japan. By the early 17th century, it had numerous churches, eight parishes, and a significant Christian population, with many residents being Christians. The city's strong Christian identity and its role as a hub for missionary work and conversions contributed to this appellation.
  • How did the Japanese Christian community in Nagasaki earn the nickname 'the Rome of Japan'?: Nagasaki earned the nickname 'the Rome of Japan' because it became a major center for Catholic activity and Christianity in Japan. By the early 17th century, it had numerous churches, eight parishes, and a significant Christian population, with many residents being Christians. The city's strong Christian identity and its role as a hub for missionary work and conversions contributed to this appellation.

What is the historical significance of the Kirishitan gravestone discovered in Minamishimabara in 1929?

Answer: It is the oldest known inscription in Roman letters found in Japan.

This gravestone is historically significant as the earliest known example of Roman letter inscription discovered in Japan.

Related Concepts:

  • What is the significance of the Kirishitan grave discovered in Minamishimabara in 1929?: The Kirishitan gravestone discovered in Minamishimabara in 1929 is significant as it is the oldest known inscription in Roman letters found in Japan. Dated October 16, 1610, it bears the name 'Hiri (Hori) Sakuemon Diego.' This artifact provides crucial evidence of early Christian missionary work and the presence of Christians in Japan during the early Edo period. It is now protected as a National Historic Site.

Nagasaki earned the nickname 'the Rome of Japan' primarily because:

Answer: It was a major center for Catholic activity and had a significant Christian population.

Nagasaki's status as a principal hub for Catholic missions and its large Christian populace led to its comparison with Rome.

Related Concepts:

  • How did the Japanese Christian community in Nagasaki earn the nickname 'the Rome of Japan'?: Nagasaki earned the nickname 'the Rome of Japan' because it became a major center for Catholic activity and Christianity in Japan. By the early 17th century, it had numerous churches, eight parishes, and a significant Christian population, with many residents being Christians. The city's strong Christian identity and its role as a hub for missionary work and conversions contributed to this appellation.
  • How did the Japanese Christian community in Nagasaki earn the nickname 'the Rome of Japan'?: Nagasaki earned the nickname 'the Rome of Japan' because it became a major center for Catholic activity and Christianity in Japan. By the early 17th century, it had numerous churches, eight parishes, and a significant Christian population, with many residents being Christians. The city's strong Christian identity and its role as a hub for missionary work and conversions contributed to this appellation.
  • How did the Japanese Christian community in Nagasaki earn the nickname 'the Rome of Japan'?: Nagasaki earned the nickname 'the Rome of Japan' because it became a major center for Catholic activity and Christianity in Japan. By the early 17th century, it had numerous churches, eight parishes, and a significant Christian population, with many residents being Christians. The city's strong Christian identity and its role as a hub for missionary work and conversions contributed to this appellation.

How were Kirishitan often portrayed in Japanese literature and popular culture from the Sakoku period through the 19th century?

Answer: As grotesque and sinister deceivers embodying anxieties about Western influence

Popular culture frequently depicted Kirishitan as negative figures, reflecting societal anxieties about foreign influence and reinforcing notions of Japanese exceptionalism.

Related Concepts:

  • What impact did the Kirishitan presence/persecution have on modern Japanese literature and popular culture?: In modern Japanese literature and popular culture, Kirishitan are often used to symbolize Japan's fear and hatred of foreigners, reinforcing conservative ideologies and national identity. From the mid-20th century onwards, they have frequently been portrayed as negative figures, representing external threats or embodying moral panic. This portrayal aligns with theories of Japanese identity ('Nihonjinron') that emphasize Japan's exceptionalism and difference from the West, using Kirishitan stereotypes to affirm Japanese superiority and cultural homogeneity.
  • How did the Japanese government's portrayal of Kirishitan evolve in literature and popular culture from the Sakoku period through the 19th century?: From the Sakoku period through the 19th century, Kirishitan were often depicted in Japanese literature and popular culture through fabricated pseudo-histories that portrayed them as orchestrating conquests and serving as symbols of Japan's first encounter with the West. They were stereotyped as grotesque and sinister deceivers, embodying anxieties about Western influence. This evolved into fantastical villains in later folktales, serving as a foil to construct a narrative of a sacred, civilized Japan and reinforcing notions of national superiority and exceptionalism.

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