Introduction

The Christian Century in Japan spans the period between the arrival of the Jesuits in 1549 and the church’s banishment in 1650.1 Christianity flourished in this brief moment in history. It offered both benefits and challenges to women living in a society with long-standing Shinto-Buddhist traditions.2 Many women became Christians (Kirishitans), with some becoming leaders, while others chose to remain faithful Shinto-Buddhists.3 In this encounter, women developed novel ways of expressing their new religious identity. This book tells a series of stories of Kirishitan women who created apostolic ministries out of resources from both Catholic and Shinto-Buddhist traditions.