Known to many as the “Samurai of Christ” a Japanese warrior named Ukon “Justo” Takayama is to be beatified by the Vatican for his commitment to the Catholic religion.
Takayama was born in Nara, Japan, in 1562 and raised as a Roman Catholic by his convert father. Said to have clung to his faith without doubts or being swayed by temporary wealth, he followed the word of Jesus Christ at all times and lived a Christian life according to his gospel
The Jesuits, including St Francis Xavier, the patron saint of missionaries, were the first Christians to set up missions in Japan, initially arriving there in the early parts of the 1500s.
Hostility at western religions grew under the rule of Shogun Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who harboured great distrust against foreigners and anything they stood for. In 1587 he threw the Jesuits out of Japan.
Takayama’s family left Japan, leaving behind massive wealth, including a castle and ancestral lands.
Alongside his family and 100 others who chose faith over country, Takayama left Nagasaki on November 8, 1614, and sought refuge in the Philippines.
On December 21 of that year, the group arrived in the region of Manila and were well received by the local population, who recognised their sincere faith.
Takayama and his group created a settlement in the old Manila district of Paco, where they were rapidly assimilated into the life of the city.
Takayama died on February 3, 1615, and his burial by the Spanish Government was a lavish affair.
Today a statue dedicated to the ‘Honorary Filipino’ stands in Philippine Friendsip Park in Paco’s Plaza Dilao. The figure in full samurai gear and is a worthy testament to a man whose beliefs helped him find common bonds in an alien country.
His monument is said to have been “erected as a sign of friendship and cooperation between the “Filipino and Japanese people” Hopefully his elevation to sainthood will allow more people to learn about a remarkable life lived by faith and principal.
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