Christianity In Japan

Christianity in Japan is a minority religion today. ^[1] However, Christianity still has a significant influence on the culture, as 60-70% of Japanese are wed in Christian ceremonies. ^[2]

"But while more than 99% of Japanese people are not Christians, this does not mean that they dislike Christianity, or have a negative image of the religion. Far from it. In fact, it is fair to say that many Japanese people are quite familiar with various aspects of Christian culture. Children have heard of Jesus, of course. But at school they also learn about people and events connected with the history and culture of Christianity, from Martin Luther and Dostoyevsky to Mother Teresa. Many adults are interested in Christian art and music, and take pleasure in visiting cathedrals and churches during their travels overseas. Christmas is a firmly established event on the calendar popular with people from all generations and backgrounds, and many couples choose to get married in a Christian-style wedding, even if they are not believers. Christian culture in general has a positive image."

It was the belief of Catholic Missionary St. Francis Xavier that if the Chinese were converted to Christianity, the Japanese would soon be dissuaded from the false beliefs they had learnt from the Chinese and follow thereafter. It remains to be seen, in the future Christian evangelization of Japan, if things will turn out as this missionary prophesied.

See Also[edit]

• Christianity in Asia

References[edit]