In 1614 Christianity was outlawed in Japan. Under the new law – missionaries were arrested and sentenced to death. However, some Christians refused to abandon their religion and went underground, continuing their faith in secret for centuries.

These people became known as 'Kakure Kirishitan' or 'Hidden Christians'. They camouflaged their worship by combining their Christian faith with elements of Buddhism and Shinto, creating a new hybrid version of Christianity, which they maintained underground for over 200 years.

Video by Terushi Sho

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