The Hidden Christians of Ikitsukishima: Japanese Islanders Who Kept the Faith

Ikitsukishima and Hirado

Ikitsuki Bridge connects the islands of Hirado and Ikitsuki. (© Amano Hisaki)

Shima no Yakata Museum Director Nakazono Shigeo has researched the history of the hidden Christians as well as the island’s whaling tradition, which are both focuses of the museum. (© Amano Hisaki)

Three kakure kirishitan chant orasho. (© Amano Hisaki)

Sacred picture scrolls are important religious objects for the kakure kirishitan of Ikitsuki. They are thought to have been produced at a seminary workshop around the 1590s and distributed to believers. Motifs include Jesus Christ, the Virgin Mary and child, and John the Baptist. (Courtesy Shima no Yakata Museum)

There are altars in each of the kakure kirishitan settlements on Ikitsuki for displaying picture scrolls. (Courtesy Shima no Yakata Museum)

An otenpensha is a sacred object formed by tying many small ropes together. It was used in purification rituals and to drive the “bad airs” that cause illness from an ill person. (Courtesy Shima no Yakata Museum)

St. Francis Xavier Memorial Church and nearby Buddhist temples in Hirado. (© Amano Hisaki)

Baptism have not been practiced on the island for nearly three decades. (Courtesy Shima no Yakata Museum)

Information Center Katarina is a renovated folk house with one building for an exhibition and shop, and the other for meeting local residents. (© Amano Hisaki)

Yamaguchi Mitsuko says she tells visitors about free diving for tengusa seaweed, abalone, and sea urchins. (© Amano Hisaki)