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 Spread of Christianity

 

When: 1549-1587

 

  • Many of the European ships carried Roman Catholic missionaries who wanted to convert the citizens of Japan to Christianity. Between 1549 and 1587, Jesuit missionaries under Francis Xavier converted 15000 Japanese to Christianity in the Nagasaki area.

  • In 1587, Hideyoshi ordered all the missionaries to leave.

  • After the death of Hideyoshi, the Bakufu(centralised military government, headed by the shogun) became more concerned about the increasing spread of Christianity. They were concerned that the Christian people will follow their spiritual leaders rather than viewing the shogun as their ultimate authority. Fearing a loss of absolute control, the shoguns decided to isolate Japan.

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