1880s Revival in Japan

Fukuzawa Yukichi advocated the superiority of Christianity in 1884
During the 1880s, Japan saw a crucial period in the history of Christianity, marked by a significant revival that reshaped the nation’s spiritual identity.
This article delves into the antecedents, key individuals, locations, and events that shaped this revival. It examines the resulting conversions, spiritual manifestations, and church growth, while also exploring the local and wider influence of this religious awakening. A chronological timeline of events and people involved in the revival is provided. Finally, there’s a conclusion that summarizes the main takeaways of this event.
Christianity in Japan Before the 1880s
Christianity first arrived on Japanese shores in 1549 with the arrival of the Jesuit missionary, Francis Xavier1. He and other Jesuits travelled with Portuguese and Spanish explorers and traders, achieving influence through their perceived connection to powerful governments, as well as their education and training2. The religion initially flourished, gaining over 100,000 converts, including many regional lords (daimyos) in Kyushu3.
These conversions were likely influenced by the decentralized nature of the Sengoku period, where warlords sought advantages through external sources of power and legitimacy4. However, the ruling shogunate soon perceived Christianity as a threat to national unity and stability3. Emperor Ōgimachi issued edicts to ban Catholicism in 1565 and 1568, but these had little effect3.
Beginning in 1587, with imperial regent Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s ban on Jesuit missionaries, Christianity was actively repressed3. After the Tokugawa ‘shogunate’ banned Christianity in 1620, it ceased to exist publicly3. Some communities continued to practice their faith in secret, while others maintained a hidden Christian identity3.
During this period of repression, Japan entered a period of relative international isolation, closing its doors to all foreigners for 250 years1. However, it is important to note that Japan maintained limited contact with the Dutch at Nagasaki, allowing for some exchange of information and goods5.
The arrival of Commodore Matthew Perry of the United States in 1853 forced Japan to open its ports, ending its isolation1. This event paved the way for the return of Christian missionaries in 1859 and the eventual lifting of the ban on Christianity in 18731.
By the 1880s, the earlier social stigma against Christianity seemed to have disappeared, specifically among the middle-class intellectuals6. This shift in attitude created a more favourable environment for the revival that was about to unfold.
Key Figures of the 1880s Revival
The 1880s revival was driven by a confluence of factors, including the efforts of both missionaries and Japanese converts. Missionaries, eager to re-establish Christianity in Japan, employed creative methods to serve and engage with the Japanese population7. These included providing education and medical care, which helped to build trust and demonstrate the practical benefits of Christian values7.
Different denominations focused their efforts in specific geographical areas. The Presbyterians, with the most missionaries, concentrated on Yokohama, while the Congregationalists focused on key ports. The Baptists and Episcopalians, with fewer resources, had a less concentrated presence6.
Among the key figures were influential intellectuals who advocated for the adoption of Christianity in Japan. Fukuzawa Yukichi, a prominent thinker and writer, initially held hostile views towards Christianity. However, by 1884, he underwent a significant shift in perspective and became a vocal proponent, emphasizing the perceived moral and intellectual superiority of Christianity compared to traditional Japanese religions6.
Similarly, Nakamura Masanao, another influential figure, argued that nationwide conversion to Christianity was crucial for Japan’s modernization6. This shift in attitude among prominent intellectuals reflected a growing acceptance of Christianity and its potential role in shaping Japan’s future.
While specific names of Japanese converts are not available in the provided research material, it is evident that their role was crucial in the growth and spread of Christianity during this period7. These converts played an active role in evangelism, establishing churches, and leading prayer meetings7. Their efforts contributed to the indigenization of Christianity, making it more accessible and relevant to the Japanese context.
Important Locations and Events
The 1880s revival was characterized by a surge in religious fervour and spiritual manifestations. It began with a missionary conference in Osaka in April 1883, which sparked a wave of religious enthusiasm that quickly spread to Tokyo6. Reports of continuous prayer meetings and the tangible presence of the Holy Spirit emerged from the region6.
“This conference emphasized the power of Christian unity and dependent prayer, which inspired some Japanese Christian leaders to host their own conference in Osaka — which then led to similar gatherings in Kyoto and Tokyo. Each of these conferences spawned numerous prayer meetings in their cities that often lasted for weeks at a time and initiated revival.
Japanese Christians cried out like the first converts in Yokohama for the Holy Spirit to fall, and God answered their prayers. Numerous revivals began to spring up throughout Japan, leading to repentance and renewal among Japanese Christians and the mission community.
Charles F. Warren of the Church Missionary Society (CMS) described “showers of blessing which God has graciously granted this year in different parts of the country” and a revival leading to greater unity and love in the Japanese church.
Robert Maclay, who oversaw the American Methodist Episcopal Mission, offered another account: “A spirit of religious revival, bringing seasons of refreshing through the presence of the Lord, is spreading in Japan, both in the community of foreigners and among Japanese Christians. . . . I am sure we are about to become witnesses of visible, divine manifestations of grace in the conversion of souls”.
C.S. Long of the CMS likewise described “a glorious work in Nagasaki” — where an atomic bomb would be dropped a little over sixty years later — in which “multitudes are genuinely converted and testify to the truthfulness and power of the new religion. . . . The Lord is certainly doing a marvelous work in our midst. The news is spreading throughout the city, and hundreds are flocking to the church. . . . It is indeed marvellous. I have never seen anything more striking at home” 7
Christian schools became important centres of revival activity. In 1884, revivals broke out in several mission schools, with the first recorded instance at Doshisha University in Kyoto6. These revivals were marked by intense prayer meetings, emotional conversions, and a renewed commitment to Christian faith7. The emphasis on education during the revival highlights the connection between Christianity and the pursuit of knowledge and enlightenment in Japan.
One notable event was the series of preaching services held at the Hisamatsu Theatre in Tokyo in May 18837. These services, attended by thousands of people, showcased the growing popularity of Christianity and its appeal to a wider audience7.
Results of the Revival
The 1880s revival had a profound impact on the growth of Christianity in Japan. Church membership doubled during this period, with new churches being established in various regions7. The revival also led to increased local funding for ministry and a greater emphasis on Japanese leadership within the church7.
The growth rate of Protestant Christianity, in particular, was remarkable. It doubled every 2-3 years, illustrating the rapid spread of the faith6. To put this into perspective, in 1872, there were only ten Japanese Protestant Christians. By 1891, this number had surged to over 31,000, with most of that growth occurring in the decade following 18816.
While exact figures on conversions are not available in the provided research material, the rapid growth of church membership suggests a significant increase in the number of people embracing Christianity6. The revival also fostered a sense of unity and purpose among Japanese Christians, empowering them to take ownership of their faith and contribute to its development7.
Influence on Japanese Society
The 1880s revival had both local and national implications for Japanese society.
Local Impact
Locally, the revival led to the establishment of Christian communities that provided social support, education, and healthcare6. These communities played a vital role in addressing social needs and promoting a sense of belonging among converts.
National Impact
Nationally, the revival coincided with the Meiji Restoration, a period of significant political and social transformation in Japan8. The Meiji Restoration aimed to modernize Japan and strengthen its position on the world stage. This involved adopting Western technology, institutions, and ideas8.
The revival’s emphasis on education and social reform aligned with the Meiji government’s goals of modernization and national strengthening9. Many people believed that acquiring a Western “spirit” was essential for Japan to become a great nation with strong trade routes and military strength9.
The revival also contributed to a period of increased social openness and urban life, often referred to as “Taishō democracy.” 10 This period saw rising economic prosperity, increased leisure time, and better education, all of which contributed to a more dynamic and interconnected society10.
However, the relationship between the revival and Japanese nationalism was complex. While the revival contributed to modernization, it also faced opposition from those who saw it as a foreign influence that threatened Japanese traditions1. This tension between modernization and tradition was a recurring theme in Meiji Japan, and the Christian revival became entangled in this broader debate.
It is important to acknowledge that the modernization efforts during this period, while bringing about progress, also created challenges and hardships for many, particularly those in the working class11. The rapid industrialization led to harsh working conditions and social inequalities, highlighting the complexities of modernization and its impact on different segments of society11.
Timeline of Events and People
Year | Event | People |
1872 | Week of prayer in Yokohama with Japanese students | Missionaries and Christian expatriates |
1883 | Missionary conference in Osaka sparks revival | – |
1883 | Revival spreads to Tokyo | – |
1883 | Preaching services at Hisamatsu Theatre in Tokyo | – |
1884 | Revivals in mission schools, including Doshisha University | – |
1884 | Fukuzawa Yukichi advocates for Christianity | Fukuzawa Yukichi |
1884 | Nakamura Masanao promotes Christianity for modernization | Nakamura Masanao |
Conclusion and Main Takeaways
The 1880s revival was a transforming period in the history of Christianity in Japan. It was characterized by fervent religious activity, significant church growth, and a growing influence on Japanese society. The revival was driven by a combination of factors, including the efforts of missionaries, the emergence of Japanese Christian leaders, and a receptive social and political climate that coincided with the Meiji Restoration.
The main takeaways from the 1880s revival include:
- Renewed Growth of Christianity: After a long period of suppression, Christianity experienced a resurgence in Japan, with increased conversions and church attendance. This growth was particularly notable among Protestant denominations.
- Indigenization of Christianity: Japanese converts played a crucial role in adapting Christianity to the Japanese context and promoting its relevance to Japanese society. This ensured that Christianity was not simply a foreign import but a faith that resonated with Japanese culture and values.
- Influence on Modernization: The revival contributed to the modernization of Japan by promoting Western ideas and values, particularly in the areas of education and social reform. This aligned with the Meiji government’s goals of national strengthening and modernization.
- Challenges and Resistance: Despite its success, the revival also faced challenges from those who viewed Christianity as a foreign threat to Japanese traditions. This tension between modernization and tradition reflected a broader debate within Japanese society during the Meiji era.
The 1880s revival laid the foundation for the continued growth and development of Christianity in Japan. While Christianity would later face periods of decline and renewed challenges, the revival demonstrated its potential to adapt and thrive in the Japanese context. The revival’s emphasis on education, social reform, and indigenization shaped the future of Christianity in Japan and its relationship with Japanese society6. Although the optimistic predictions of Japan becoming a predominantly Christian nation did not materialize, the 1880s revival remains a significant event in Japanese religious history7. It serves as a testament to the resilience of faith and the enduring impact of religious awakenings on societies undergoing rapid transformation.
A brief timeline of Christianity in Japan1
1549 Jesuit missionary Francis Xavier arrives and growth follows
1587 Foreign missionaries banned
1614 Government ban on Christianity, widespread persecution of Christians until 1640
1639 Japan enters long period of national isolation
1853 US Commodore Matthew Perry demands that Japan opens its ports
1859 Protestant missionaries arrive
1873 Government ban of Christianity lifted
1870s Missionaries produce Japanese translations of the Bible
1941 Government orders Protestant denominations to merge
1947 Religious freedom guaranteed by post-war constitution
1549 Jesuit missionary Francis Xavier arrives and growth follows
1587 Foreign missionaries banned
1614 Government ban on Christianity, widespread persecution of Christians until 1640
1639 Japan enters long period of national isolation
1853 US Commodore Matthew Perry demands that Japan opens its ports
1859 Protestant missionaries arrive
1873 Government ban of Christianity lifted
1870s Missionaries produce Japanese translations of the Bible
1941 Government orders Protestant denominations to merge
1947 Religious freedom guaranteed by post-war constitution
Works cited
- History of Christianity in Japan – OMF | Mission among East Asia’s people, accessed on January 17, 2025, https://omf.org/history-of-christianity-in-japan/
- Christianity – Nakasendo Way, accessed on January 17, 2025, https://www.nakasendoway.com/christianity/
- History of the Catholic Church in Japan – Wikipedia, accessed on January 17, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_Catholic_Church_in_Japan
- Christianity in Japan – Wikipedia, accessed on January 17, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christianity_in_Japan
- Japan – Meiji Restoration, Isolationism, Trade | Britannica, accessed on January 17, 2025, https://www.britannica.com/place/Japan/The-opening-of-Japan
- View of Eclipse of the Son: The Fate of the 1880s Revival in Meiji Japan – Global Missiology, accessed on January 17, 2025, http://ojs.globalmissiology.org/index.php/english/article/view/2900/7285
- Even Japan Has Seen Revival: Hope for Hard Places Like Mine | Desiring God, accessed on January 17, 2025, https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/even-japan-has-seen-revival
- Meiji Restoration | Summary, Effects, Social Changes, Significance, End, & Facts | Britannica, accessed on January 17, 2025, https://www.britannica.com/event/Meiji-Restoration
- Meiji Restoration – Wikipedia, accessed on January 17, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meiji_Restoration
- The Meiji Restoration and Modernization – Asia for Educators – Columbia University, accessed on January 17, 2025, https://afe.easia.columbia.edu/special/japan_1750_meiji.htm
- Voices from the Past: The Human Cost of Japan’s Modernization, 1880s-1930s, accessed on January 17, 2025, https://www.colorado.edu/ptea-curriculum/becoming-modern/voices-past-human-cost-japans-modernization-1880s-1930s
Authors note
This document was drafted by Tony Cauchi and refined in collaboration with AI research. It has been thoroughly edited to ensure accuracy and readability.