The Catholic Missions in Japan (1549-1639): Analysis of the Historiographic Sources and Tendencies

Abstract

This article presents both Western and Japanese sources on the Catholic missions in Japan (1549-1639) and outlines the state of play in research into the history of the art known as kirishitan or namban which appeared in that country as a consequence of the expansionist policy of the Catholic Church and the Iberian monarchies. The inaccessibility of Japanese sources and bibliography has meant that little so far has been known in Mexican academic circles about the evangelization of Japan. Although at that time an important connection existed between Japan and New Spain, the language barrier and the lack of bibliographical-documentary resources in Mexico on the Japanese missions have prevented further research into the subject and the updating of knowledge. This essay aims to help close this lacuna in research.