Christianity was introduced to Japan in the mid-16th century.
Following the arrival of the missionary Francis Xavier in Japan, the Christian faith spread throughout the country.
However, Christianity was later banned in Japan.
Believers faced severe persecution and were no longer even allowed to pray openly. Even so, some people continued to practice their faith in secret. They were called “Hidden Christians,” and for many years they kept the flame of prayer alive.
The history of these Hidden Christians also remains in Okayama.
On Tsurushima, a small island in the Hinase Islands in Bizen City, the graves of people who risked their lives to preserve their faith still lie quietly.
A panel exhibition about these “stories from Okayama that don’t appear in textbooks,” titled “Exploring Hidden Christians through Tsurushima,” is currently held at the Kurashiki Archaeological Museum.
Yuko Ban, a researcher and curator at the Ohara Art Foundation who is in charge of this panel exhibition, says, “I want to pass on the history of this region to the next generation.”
This exhibition reminds us that history not found in textbooks lies hidden even in places close to home.
Why do multiple religions, such as Shinto, Buddhism, and Christianity, coexist so naturally in Japan? As a writer from China, I find this “culture of accepting different faiths” very intriguing, and this background also prompted me to cover the exhibition.
The information presented is current as of the article’s publication in April 2026. Please note that it may differ from current information.
About the panel exhibition “Exploring Hidden Christians through Tsurushima”
The panel exhibition “Exploring Hidden Christians through Tsurushima” is held at the Kurashiki Archaeological Museum, near the Bikan Historical Area, from Friday, February 27, to Sunday, May 31, 2026.
The exhibition introduces history through the following six panels:
- Okayama University of Science: First and Second Tsurushima Surveys
- Japan in the era depicted in El Greco’s “The Annunciation”
- Okayama and Hidden Christians
- Kurashiki and Hidden Christians
- Tsurushima and Hidden Christians
- The Hidden Christian cemetery remaining on Tsurushima
The story of Tsurushima, Okayama
In 1867, at the end of the Edo period, Hidden Christians were arrested in Nagasaki in a series of raids. Many believers were placed in the custody of various domains, and some were sent to the Okayama Domain.
They were transferred to Tsurushima, a small island in the Hinase Islands in Bizen City.
Separated from their families and hometowns, they are said to have endured extremely harsh lives in an unfamiliar place. Even so, they did not abandon their faith and continued to pray quietly. The names of 18 people are engraved on a memorial, and 13 of them died on the island.
Their graves still remain on Tsurushima today, bearing witness to those who endured an era of hardship to preserve their faith. This fact reminds us that history not found in textbooks lies right beneath our feet.
Archaeological remains related to Christians during the period when Christianity was banned are considered extremely rare nationwide.
Against this backdrop, the burial practices preserved on Tsurushima are a valuable example, and Okayama University of Science conducted a survey of the site from 2024 to 2025.
What the field survey revealed about Tsurushima
Yuko Ban, a researcher and curator at the Ohara Art Foundation, visited Tsurushima and conducted a field survey.
No one lives on Tsurushima today.
Describing the island, Ban says, “Even when the vegetation is cleared, plants quickly grow thick again, turning it into a jungle.”
The survey also involved cutting the grass and cleaning around the graves to prevent them from collapsing. These tasks, too, are apparently an important part of archaeological research, helping preserve the condition of the graves while documenting them.
No excavation has been conducted at the Christian graves on Tsurushima. However, a survey is underway to accurately record their locations and shapes in preparation for the possibility that the graves may be damaged and require restoration in the future.
The stones marking the graves remain today, but some have weathered or been affected by nature over the years. For this reason, one important aim of the survey was to document their current condition in detail so that they can be restored to their original state in the future.
Highlights of the exhibition: An interview with the researcher and curator
We spoke with Yuko Ban, who is in charge of the panel exhibition “Exploring Hidden Christians through Tsurushima,” about the background to its planning and its highlights.
Could you tell us how you came to plan an exhibition on the theme of “Hidden Christians on Tsurushima”?
Ban (surname only)
The Kurashiki Archaeological Museum holds an exhibition every year in collaboration with Okayama University of Science. We have presented together the university’s archaeological survey materials and the archaeological artifacts held by the Kurashiki Archaeological Museum.
As part of archaeological surveys of sites in the Hinase Islands, a survey was conducted of the Christian graves on Tsurushima. Although excavation was not possible, the survey recorded the locations and shapes of the graves.
This exhibition was planned with the hope that visitors would learn about the relationship between Okayama and Christianity, and enjoy viewing the artworks with an understanding of their historical background.
Which panels or materials in the museum would you especially recommend seeing?
Ban
I especially recommend the panels featuring photographs and survey drawings in “Tsurushima and Hidden Christians,” which tell the story of the persecution of Christians.
During the period when Christianity was banned, believers were pressured to convert and faced strict crackdowns, yet continued to preserve their faith. I hope visitors will take a look at the materials that tell the story of those who held on to their faith under such difficult circumstances.
Are there aspects that first-time visitors can enjoy?
Ban
I don’t think many people, even those living in Okayama or Kurashiki, are aware of the relationship between this region and Christianity.
For example, visitors can learn about local history, such as the location of the prison where Christians were held, martyrs from Okayama, and the connection between Kurashiki and Christian culture.
Another highlight is learning about the historical context: even when Christianity was banned and believers were strictly persecuted, people who were not Christians also knew about Christianity.
What do you think this history means to people in Kurashiki and Okayama?
Ban
At first glance, Okayama and Kurashiki may seem to have little connection with Christianity, but in fact they have been connected to it in various ways throughout history.
It is known that Christians lived in this region during the Warring States period. After the ban on Christianity was lifted, the modern era saw the activities of businessman Ohara Magosaburo, who had close ties to Christianity. In addition, Kojima Torajiro brought El Greco’s “The Annunciation” to Japan and made it available to the public, allowing ordinary people to encounter Christian art.
I hope that learning about this history will help people feel how their region was connected to the religions and cultures of the world.
Finally, do you have a message for those planning to visit?
Ban
Learning about the history of Christianity in Okayama and Kurashiki may broaden your appreciation of the Christian art at the Ohara Museum of Art.
Learning about the faith and history behind the artworks can add to the enjoyment of paintings. I hope you will visit the exhibition and discover the connections between this region and Christianity.
From the Writer
Although the exhibition is small, researcher Ban carefully introduced each item. If you would like to learn more about the history of the region around you, be sure to hear what she has to say.
The prayers of the 13 people left on this small island will surely speak to us quietly.
While strolling through the Bikan Historical Area, why not discover “another Kurashiki,” hidden beneath the streets of this town?
Articles about the Kurashiki Archaeological Museum
Kurashiki Archaeological Museum Panel Exhibition “Exploring Christians from Tsurushima Island” Information
| Name | Kurashiki Archaeological Museum Panel Exhibition “Exploring Christians from Tsurushima Island” |
|---|---|
| Dates | ■ Exhibition period February 27 (Fri) – May 31 (Sun), 2026 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. (last admission at 2:45 p.m.) ■ Closed Monday–Thursday *Open on public holidays ■ Venue Room 4, Kurashiki Archaeological Museum |
| Location | 1-3-13 Chuo, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Admission (tax included) | Adults: 500 yen University and high school students: 400 yen Junior high and elementary school students: 300 yen |
| Website | Kurashiki Archaeological Museum |
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