The Legend of Jesus in Japan
The Lost Years and Arrival in Japan
According to local folklore in the remote Japanese village of Shingo, Jesus Christ did not die on the cross but instead traveled to Japan during his “lost years,” a 12-year period unaccounted for in the New Testament. It is believed that Jesus first arrived in Japan at the age of 21 to study theology. He reportedly became a disciple of a great master near Mount Fuji and learned the Japanese language and Eastern culture.
Life in Japan
After returning to Judea, Jesus is said to have escaped crucifixion by switching places with his brother, Isukiri. He then fled back to Japan with keepsakes from his homeland, including his sibling’s ear and a lock of the Virgin Mary’s hair.
Upon reaching the village of Shingo, Jesus retired to a life in exile. He adopted a new identity and raised a family, living out his natural life ministering to the needy. He is described as having a balding gray head, a coat of many folds, and a distinctive nose, earning him the nickname “long-nosed goblin.”
The Grave of Jesus
When Jesus died, his body was left exposed on a hilltop for four years. His bones were then buried in a grave, which is now topped by a timber cross and surrounded by a picket fence. Though the Japanese Jesus is not believed to have performed miracles, some speculate whether he may have turned water into sake.
Evidence and Controversy
The legend of Jesus in Japan is supported by various claims. Ancient village traditions, such as wearing toga-like robes and veiling women, are said to resemble those of biblical Palestine. The local dialect reportedly contains words similar to Hebrew, and the old village name, Heraimura, is linked to an early Middle Eastern diaspora.
However, some scholars question the authenticity of these claims. The alleged last will and testament of Jesus, discovered in 1936, was reportedly destroyed during World War II, leaving only modern transcriptions. Additionally, Japan’s Yayoi period, when Jesus is said to have lived, lacked a written language.
State Shinto and the Christ Cult
During Japan’s imperialist period, the government promoted State Shinto, using the religion to bolster national unity. This led to attempts to prove Japan’s superiority over other cultures, including the discovery of Moses’ tomb and seven ancient pyramids in Shingo.
The Christ cult in Shingo is seen as a reflection of Japanese folk religion’s ability to absorb foreign influences. While it has little to do with traditional Christianity, it has given the village a sense of identity.
Christmas in Japan
The Christmas season in Japan has taken on a unique meaning, stripped of its Christian significance. It is a time for festive decorations, sparkling lights, and romantic dates. While many young people ignore the chaste example of Mary, others celebrate the holiday in a secular way, with decorations and Kentucky Fried Chicken.
The Sawaguchi Family and the Legend
Junichiro Sawaguchi, the eldest member of the Shingo family considered Jesus’ direct descendants, is a devout Buddhist who has never been to a church or read the Bible. When asked about the Jesus-in-Japan yarn, he remains coy, saying, “I don’t know.”
Sawaguchi’s response reflects the Japanese tendency to be tactful in expressing opinions on contentious topics. While the Christ tomb has given Shingo a sense of identity, he acknowledges that it is ultimately a matter of belief.