The Struggle of Christians in Japan During World War II
During World War II, Japan's government, heavily influenced by Shintoism, viewed Christianity with suspicion and hostility. This was a stark contrast to the welcome and acceptance that Christianity would eventually receive during the American occupation that followed the war. Despite this, the Japanese government maintained a policy of equal mistreatment among religions, with exceptions for Japanese Christians as evidenced by their involvement in the atomic bombing of Nagasaki.
Background of Christianity in Japan and the Government's Stance
The history of Christianity in Japan dates back to the 16th century, with Protestant and Catholic missionaries arriving in various parts of the country. However, by the time World War II broke out, the presence of Christianity in Japan was a point of contention. The Japanese government, which heavily favored Shintoism, saw Christianity as a threat to their national identity.
Shintoism, rooted deeply in the worship of Japan itself, was seen as a unifying factor for the Japanese people. Christianity, on the other hand, was viewed with suspicion as a foreign religion with allegiance to foreign powers potentially undermining Japanese sovereignty.
Persecution of Christians
The hostility toward Christianity was evident not just in policy but also in the day-to-day lives of Japanese Christians. Many Christians were discredited, and those who remained faithful and denied the divinity of the Emperor were often imprisoned and tortured. This stark reality highlighted the severity of the treatment imposed on Christians by the Japanese government.
Not all Christians in Japan were treated equally. For instance, the thirty Protestant denominations existing in Japan in 1940 were consolidated into the United Church of Christ in Japan, a move that showed some Christians were willing to compromise with the powerful figures leading Japan during this tumultuous period.
American Occupation and a Change in Attitude
The situation began to change after the war ended, with the arrival of the American occupation forces. During this time, an interesting and somewhat ironic development occurred. One of the commanding pilots who participated in the attack on Pearl Harbor later became an ordained Christian minister and evangelist. This event symbolized a turning point for Christianity in Japan, as it began to be seen as a more acceptable and integrated part of Japanese society.
The Atomic Bombing of Nagasaki
One of the most tragic events in the history of Japanese Christianity was the bombing of Nagasaki. The city, with its large Christian community, was one of the targets for the atomic bomb dropped by the United States. Despite being Japanese citizens, the Christians in Nagasaki were caught in the crossfire, suffering both physically and psychologically from the destruction wrought by the devastating bomb.
It is worth noting that, during the war, many Christian priests and missionaries in Japan were Japanese themselves. Unlike those of German descent, they were not viewed with suspicion from the outset. Their role in the community and their right to practice their religion were respected, allowing them to continue their work without undue interference from the government.
The story of Japanese Christians during World War II is one of resilience and faith. Despite the challenges and persecutions they faced, they managed to maintain their beliefs and contribute to the social fabric of Japanese society. The eventual acceptance and even integration of Christianity in post-war Japan mark a significant historical transition, one that continues to shape the religious landscape of the country today.