In Search of Japan's Hidden Christians

“John Dougill’s In Search of Japan’s Hidden Christians is one of the most compelling and important books on Japan in recent years. The story of Japan’s Hidden Christians is one of the least known and most interesting aspects of Japanese history, and Dougill brings the story to life brilliantly.” —Chris Rowthorn, author of Lonely Planet Japan and Lonely Planet Kyoto“Eloquently written, with surprises around every corner, Hidden Christians is an engaging read. Dougill’s personal touch to the narrative makes the book lively and highly readable.” —Amy Chavez, columnist, Japan Times“In Search of Japan’s Hidden Christians: A Story of Suppression, Secrecy and Survival is the best non-fiction work I’ve read in the past three years.” —Bookish.asia

John Dougill has lived in Japan for over twenty years and is professor at a Buddhist university in the heart of Kyoto. He is an associate editor for Japanese Religions and co-author of a guide to Shinto Shrines. Educated at Leeds and Oxford Universities, he taught for three years in the Middle East before spending ten months traveling around the world. As well as following the path of early Christians around Kyushu, he has journeyed from Lake Baikal to Lake Biwa in search of Japan’s shamanistic roots and traversed the country researching Japan’s World Heritage Sites. Amongst his hobbies are chess, the GreenShinto blog, and bird-spotting on the Kamogawa River.