Jesuit exploration of Japan
...avier built alliances with certain daimyo (Japanese warlords), the Jesuits were able to secure docking for their ships in those ports operated by “friendly” warlords, brings goods to trade. Profits from the goods received from the “Black Ships” was so immense, the warlords were in competition to gain confidence with the missionaries. As Japan, in the 16th century, was in a state of unrest with multiple warlords attempting to gain control, the arquebus proved to be a vital tool needed for the daimyo to conquer neighboring enemies. Xavier capitalized on the local thirst for trade to position the Jesuit foundation on the islands. Initially, the Jesuits, as had been successful in Europe, attempted to convert the elites near the Imperial Court. This plan failed and Xavier was left to resort to the smaller villages and towns outside the main city to spread Christianity. Jesuit missionaries knew they could find a new daimyo to befriend if they had lost confidence in their existing targeted daimyo. As the power struggle between warring factions was constantly changing, the Jesuit missionaries would parallel that change with their political stance favoring the warlord in power. Father Lois Frois would spend nearly a decade outside the city awaiting his chance to address Christianity from the “top down” of the Japanese hierarchy. As Nobunaga, lord of Owari, gained control of the city, Father Frois would be granted his meeting. Father Lois Frois, after continued efforts, finally is appointed a meeting with Nobunaga and this partnership changes the course of Christianity in Japan. With the assistance of Nobunaga, who liked Father Lois Frois’s anti-Buddhist approach, the Jesuits were able to convert thousands into their religious beliefs. Places of worship for the Buddhist religion were destroyed. “It had become politically essential to change the populations’ sentiments from Buddhist to Christianity as quickly as possible and to do this an inquisitorial instead of missionary model of conversion was established” (Nelson, 2002). Nobunaga believed c...