“Little Rome”
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“Little Rome”
Despite the complicated history of Christians in Nagasaki, Christianity flourished at one point and was even popular among some daimyo, translated to lords in feudal Japan. First brought to Japan by the Portuguese, Christianity reached its peak when the first Christian daimyo, Omura Sumitada, was baptised in 1563. After attacks from enemies in 1580, Sumitada ceded Nagasaki to the Jesuits as compensation for their help and faith during this trying time. Christianity flourished in Nagasaki as a result and was referred to as “Little Rome”. In the early 17th century, the Nagasaki’s Oura Cathedral was the largest Christian church in all of Japan.
Photos by Clyde McCaw