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Ancient witness
Oldest Christian tomb discovered
Archeologists have found what they believe to be the oldest Christian grave in Japan: a granite site marker dating to 1581. The marker itself was buried centuries ago; researchers believe this was done by believers hoping to avoid persecution for practicing the outlawed faith.

The grave is believed to be that of Tsushima Tawara, a local feudal lord whose family apparently hid the stone. The Catholic faith was introduced to Japan in 1549 by St. Francis Xavier, but the ruling warlords felt threatened by the thousands of converts and banned the faith in 1613, making the practice of Christianity punishable by death.

The stone is emblazoned with a cross and Tawara’s Christian name “Reiman.” It also bore a Greek letter and date. The marker was dug up last month at a parking lot construction site some 240 miles west of Tokyo.