Catholic Church Beatifies Japanese Christian Takayama Ukon

Former Japanese warlord Takayama Ukon is one step closer to sainthood. The Roman Catholic Church recently recognized Takayama’s martyrdom through a beatification ceremony in Osaka last February 7. Cardinal Angelo Amato conducted the ceremony in behalf of the Vatican, which was attended by over 12,000 Catholic faithful.

Takayama died while in exile in Manila, after he was forced to leave Japan because he refused to denounce Christianity.

Takayama Ukon And His Ties With The Philippines

According to historian Ambeth Ocampo, Takayama arrived in Manila on December 11, 1614. He left Japan one month earlier, accompanied by 300 people which included his wife, one of his daughters and five grandchildren. Among his companions were other Christians: priests and brothers from the Jesuit, Franciscan, Dominican and Augustinian orders. This was during the height of Christian persecution in Japan.

The Philippines, being under Spanish colonial during that time, welcomed Takayama “with open arms.” He died in Manila one year after, in 1615. The Spanish government in the Philippines gave him full military honors befitting a Japanese daimyo and a Christian burial. To this day, his statue stands in Plaza Dilao in Paco, Manila, next to the area that was designated as a Japanese settlement during the 17th century.

Takayama Ukon As A Christian

Takayama’s beatification serves as formal recognition of his work as a Christian martyr. During the Sengoku period in Japan, Takayama converted to Christianity in 1564 and together with his father, they ruled their daimyo as Christian feudal rulers. When persecution of Christians began in the country, Takayama was said to have protected Christians under his rule.

During the ceremony, Cardinal Amato read an Apostolic letter from Pope Francis which “proclaimed as Blessed” the Japanese warlord. The letter also praised Takayama for choosing his faith over social status and property.