We Are Tomodachi Summer 2018

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15In June, UNESCO added Hidden ChristianSites in the Nagasaki Region to their list of WorldCultural Heritage Sites. These sites have a rich history,dating back to the introduction of Christianity in the 16th century.From 1613, after Christianity was banned by the Tokugawa shogunate, theseChristians continued to practice their faith in secret as Hidden Christians(Kakure Kirishitans), working as ordinary farmers and fishermen, some of themeven moving to remote areas to develop the land. They passed their traditionon in secret until the government lifted the ban some 200 years later.A Symbol of Christianityin JapanOverlooking the port of Nagasaki, Oura Cathedral is the oldest standingchurch in Japan. Built in 1864, this National Treasure is the location ofthe Miracle of the Orient and the Discovery of Hidden Christians, when agroup of Christians came out of hiding to worship openly.Nagasaki Region,NAGASAKI & KUMAMOTOOn a Desert Island,a Monument to the FaithfulThe Nokubi Church sits atop a hill on the now-abandonedNozaki Island in the Goto Archipelago. It endures as a symbolof the devotion of the 600 Christians who once made this islandtheir sanctuary.12 Components of the siteshttp://kirishitan.jp/enRemains of Villageson Nozaki IslandSakitsu Villagein AmakusaOura CathedralNagasaki CityAmakusa CityGoto ArchipelagoSasebo CityHirado City