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Bulletin of Portuguese - Japanese Studies ISSN: 0874-8438 [email protected] Universidade Nova de Lisboa

Zambarbieri, Annibale Reseña de ". Gesta Martirial en Japón (1597)" de J. Ignacio Tellechea Idigoras (ed.) Bulletin of Portuguese - Japanese Studies, núm. 2, june, 2001, pp. 135-150 Universidade Nova de Lisboa Lisboa, Portugal

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BPJS, 2001, 2, 135 - 162

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J. Ignacio Tellechea Idigoras, peculiar to the culture of its original roots. Nagasaki. Gesta Martirial en Japón (1597) In fact, these subjects have not (Salamanca, Bibliotheca remained confined to academic Salamanticensis, 1998) research, but have also produced a unique literary echo in the work of the There has been a resurgence in contemporary writer Endo Shusaku, the field of historiography with regard almost as though to prove their rhap- to the initiatives undertaken by sodic ties to cultural mores and exis- European Catholics to evangelize tential meditation. Endo’s works, in in the period between the mid part also due to the expressive medium sixteenth century and the 1640’s, when in which they are realized, vividly the policy of isolation imposed by the recreate the problems of the cultural Japanese forbade the activities of confrontation that unfolds between the foreign missionaries as well as the pro- two extremes of a transforming assim- fession of the Christian faith within the ilation versus an implacable impene- country. Excellent research has been trability. As is natural, he deals with done with regard to preaching and the the subject in a selective manner, some- catechesis; about the clash between times even in an exceedingly elemen- these and the indigenous culture; about tary fashion and on other occasions the often heroic attachment of many with intense psychological introspec- natives to the religion adopted from tion. At the same time, in the guise of the West, and the harrowing dilemmas real personalities, the narrator evokes that many faced to reconcile the drama of the and the loyalty towards the authorities with parallel of the renouncement of the their own convictions; about the dra- faith which had earlier been embraced matic defections on the part of some enthusiastically - a paradigm of irrec- natives and the courageous persever- oncilable extremes, despite all the ance of others; and about the choices contacts and efforts to achieve a made by certain groups to maintain a symbiosis. secret or disguised liturgical-devotional Recently, the Japanese cultural practice which was, however, reab- magazine Shincho published, in the sorbed in usages and persuasions, June 2000 issue, a previously unpub- 136 Book Reviews lished dramatic work by the young which include a detailed panorama of Endo - Saulo - that, by means of the the “spiritualists” of the sixteenth characters of this piece, highlights both century, and works on the philosophies the nebulous as well as very real para- of Miguel de Molinos and Bartolomé doxes and ties that formed the link de Carranza, as well as a stimulating between evangelization, martyrdom essay on Unamuno y los poetas. In the and apostasy. In his biographical book being reviewed he publishes profile, the text enables one to date invaluable texts that seek to recon- Endo’s approach to themes, which was struct an important event that left its already clearly defined. The themes are mark on the course of the interaction vividly recreated, although in an as yet between Eastern and Western civiliza- unrefined style, that would later ener- tions. The documentation consists of vate the narrative and the texts. books of manuscripts, authentic copies According to the requirements of original letters dating from the end of this method, the historian should of the sixteenth century, currently study the documentation that has indi- preserved in the Condumex Cultural rectly inspired the artist and incited Centre in City, archive him to render the essence of this inves- DCCCL-VIII-22. tigation imaginatively. At the first In reality, this material is not instance, one finds distinct compo- entirely unpublished, as the author nents that are linked both with politics himself hastens to warn the reader, and the economy, as well as with the adding that while in an advanced stage contrasts of mentalities and ecclesias- of transcription he came to know of tical choices. The work by Ignacio the existence of an edition published in Tellechea Idígoras offers the reader 1954 in Mexico City, Testimonios precisely this. It is an abundant body of auténticos de los originales de todas las testimonials about one of the many diligencias que hizo la Religión phases through which relations seráphica en la Santa Provincia de between Christianity and the Japanese Philipinas acerca del martyrio de los civilization passed, in the aforemen- santos San Pedro Baptista y sus tioned period, by an investigation of compañeros Protomartyres del new power equations in Japan and the Japón..Edición al cuidado de Julián European expansion worldwide. It Calvo, Agustin Millares y Max Aub. deals with the well known episode of The book, of which only one hundred the martyrdom of twenty six Chris- numbered copies were printed, is diffi- tians in Nagasaki on 5th February cult to peruse. For this reason, 1597, twenty of whom were Japanese. Tellechea Idígoras preferred to publish Tellechea Idígoras is an erudite scholar his own transcription, which is more renowned for his excellent works, accurate and faithful to the original Book Reviews 137 than the previous publication. In truth, century with great intelligence, were one must add that some of these docu- enthused by the fervid hope of a quick ments are known, having been utilized and glorious “conversion of the infi- by P. Lorenzo Pérez O. F. M. in studies dels”, and were likewise convinced which have been published in the that the simple credo of Franciscan “Archivo Ibero-Americano”, and then poverty represented the best guarantee later collected in the work “Cartas y for an effective apostolic approach. Relaciones del Japón” (3 Volumes, As one is aware, it is impor- Madrid 1916 - 1923): for example, the tant to remember the specific nature of letter dated 2nd February 1597 by the source that Tellechea Idígoras has Father Pedro Bautista to four of the copiously investigated. This is modeled religious prisoners (pp.284-286) can on published debates, undoubtedly sui be found in the first volume of Peréz generis, that refers to a “cause“ for (pp. 147-151), who in turn cited it that both instructs and from the well known Historia by the takes one, pour cause, through a series Franciscan de Ribadeneira, which is of probative activities and an nowadays easily available: P. inevitable dialectic between MARCELO DE RIBADENEIRA, contrasting “theories“. It is to be Historia de las islas del archipiélago added that it was Urban VIII who Filipino y reinos de la Gran , proclaimed the beatification of the Tartaria, Cochinchina, Malaca, Siam, of Japan, in keeping with a Cambodge y Japón, ed. J. R. de practice developed by Paul V. It was Legísima, Madrid 1997 (the letter in Urban VIII’s policy that oriented question can be found on pp. 446- canonical procedure in basic matters 448). that would become fundamental plat- However, this vast and meticu- forms : it is sufficient to recall the lously transcribed work by Tellechea compendium of norms published in Idígoras is a multifaceted prism, 1642 under the title Decreta servanda through which the researcher can exer- in canonizatione et beatificatione sanc- cise his capacity for observation and torum [....]. analysis and where one can further Of the ten cuadernos that clarify the circumstances that caused make up the legajo researched by missionaries from a Hispanic linguistic Tellechea Idígoras, eight are repro- and cultural (as well as political) back- duced there, beginning from the ground to go to Japan. These missio- second book, which starts with a peti- naries, who belonged to a different tion by Fr. Matías de Gamarra, the order than that which had initiated Procurator-General of the Lesser and prudently nurtured the process of Brothers in New (Mexico). evangelization for almost half a Dated 21st February, 1598 and 138 Book Reviews presented to the Corregidor of the out missionary activities in all of East Spanish Crown in Mexico City, it Asia, as well as the text of the nine requested the of six Fran- questions placed to the thirteen ciscan monks who had preached the witnesses who were aware of the Gospel “en los reynos del Japón”, and happenings. The relevant depositions were martyred along with a further in this regard, carried out between 7th diez y ocho Japanese (pp. 69-70). The and 14th July, 1597 were authenti- request was sent “a la presencia de la cated by a notary. In this book, the Sede Apostolica [....] y ante la Spanish translation of the inquest Mayestad del Rey nuestro Señor”. It is concerning these events is reproduced. important detail to note the number of The inquiry pertaining to these events, the martyrs which continued to vary in which was carried out by the “Bishop the initial reports, as well as in subse- of China”, Leonardo de Sá, in the role quent estimates, according to versions of apostolic ynquisador, was realized dictated by unique (at least for our between 10th May and 1st September present day sensibilities) motivations, 1597, with the participation of fifteen as we shall shortly see. witnesses. At the same time, from the The first book, which was not 7th May to 1st September i.e. almost included, adds information about an simultaneously, the Spanish civil Embassy to Manila to request that authorities carried out their own, Franciscan missionaries be sent to much quicker, investigation in which Japan. The second contains informa- they interrogated seven people, who tion presented on 13th April, 1595 by were indicated by the provincial head the provincial head of the Franciscans of the Franciscan mission, Juan de in Manila, Juan de Garrovillas, about Garrovillas: the results are to be found the missionary activity of members of in the fifth book. This book, the result his Order in Japanese territory: the of an inquiry held in Manila, in June of aforementioned petición is prefixed to the same year, offers various elements the dossier, and recapitulates it with a de vita et moribus, in practice about view to clarify the process of the excep- the virtues and apostleships of the tional events of Nagasaki. In the third Franciscan fathers who were martyred. book some averiguaciones ante el Letters by two of these fathers, Cabildo appear, which took place Martin de la Ascensión e Pedro while the Archbishopric was vacant in Bautista, written in in the face of immi- loco, and concern the episode of the nent death, after they were captured martyrdom. Here too is rendered a and moved to Nagasaki, were copied translation of Sistus V’s Bull Dum ad in the seventh book, along with some uberes, dated 15th November 1586, missives regarding the matter. The that allowed the Franciscans to carry ninth book consists of four other Book Reviews 139 letters by Bautista, while the eighth del Japón [king of Japan] Toyotomi book reproduced declarations made in Hideyoshi, as well as a chinaman who 1598 by members of the crew of the had been accredited by a Dominican, galleon San Felipe, who were caught in Juan Cobo, and who after being Urado involved in a venture that, as received as an Ambassador by one shall see, incited the diffidence of Hideyoshi, later died on the return Hideyoshi and contributed towards, or voyage to Manila. Through them, at least provided the pretext for, the according to the sources researched by renewal of anti-Christian persecutions. Tellechea Idígoras, the highest As a preface to this rich Japanese authority had solicited the compendium of documents, that make dispatch of the Franciscan missionaries up 260 of the 356 pages of the volume, “para la conversion de las almas” [“to Tellechea Idígoras includes an articu- convert souls”]. late introduction, in which he delin- However, even prior to this, eates both the general background of the so called king had tried various the missionary activity in Japan, as approaches with very different inten- well as the geneses, the circumstances tions in mind. In fact, he envisaged an and the modalities of the martyrdom expansion which included China, of the twenty six Christians. In addi- Korea and even the . One tion, with vivid brush strokes, he could also add that he was very inte- reproduces the backdrop of the drama, rested in the navigation techniques providing a scenic, political and social used by the Westerners, and utilized description of the mundo distinto that the wood recovered from the churches Japan was in the sixteenth century. and missionary buildings which he had He then speaks of the Jesuit ordered to be demolished, to construct mission established by Francisco ships for the purpose of reaching the Xavier, and the beginnings of the above mentioned countries. mission of the Franciscans, who were In the work by Antonio already established in China and Cabezas, El siglo ibérico del Japón. La Cochinchina, as he has already presencia hispano-portuguesa en Japón described in detail in his work on (1543-1643), Vallodolid 1995, in Martín Ignacio de Loyola. Viaje which he seems to subscribe to intense alredor del mundo, Madrid 1989. views about the psychology of However, the starting point for the Hideyoshi, the author gives a summary Franciscan mission in Japan was to be of the stages of a renewed strength- Manila where, according to the infor- ening of ties achieved by a new mation in the second book, in 1593 missionary expedition during the last there was also present an emissary of decade of the century: the Ambas- the man who was considered the rey sadors sent from Manila to the 140 Book Reviews sovereign, the aim being to establish religious propaganda as an efficient themselves in Japanese territory, a precursor to military intervention, the project which was cultivated with ruler of Japan, implementing his earlier vigorous and ever increasing tenacity edict issued in 1587, ordered the by the Spanish members of the Fran- capture and then subsequently, to set ciscan Order, (but the author affirms, an example, the execution of six Fran- quite rightly, that “dificilmente ciscans (four Spaniards, one Mexican podemos aceptar el interés de and one Indian), along with fifteen Hideyoshi por tal misión” p. 25 [“it is Japanese who were linked with them in hard to believe that Hideyoshi would various ways (two more names were have shown interest in such a almost immediately added to this list) mission”]. He describes the audience and three Japanese who had joined the granted by the monarch to four Fran- Society of . Their execution, by ciscans; the exhortations of their , took place in Nagasaki on preaching that seemed to have touched 5th February 1597. Tellechea Idígoras a chord both with the poorest sections takes great care to give a detailed of society as well as with the ruler. The description of the circumstances incident of the Spanish galleon San surrounding the martyrdom and the Felipe that caused a serious crisis when hechos extraños that occurred subse- it was shipwrecked while trying to quently, happenings that were held by enter the port of Urado after having some to be miraculous, along with the been caught in a storm off the coast of initiation of the process to achieve a Tosa in the island of Shikoku. rapid beatification of the 26 Christians On board, together with who died for the faith. The relevant numerous other passengers were to be proclamation would take place in found four Augustinians, one 1627, during Urban VIII’s tenure Dominican and two Franciscans, and while, more that two centuries later, in in addition the galleon also carried a 1862, Pius X would solemnly proclaim valuable cargo that, according to the their canonization. norms prevailing in those shores, The transcription of the should have been confiscated. copious documentary material, along However, the sailors were instead with the detailed explanations of the determined to salvage the cargo for introduction, induce one to manifest a themselves at all costs. His suspicions vivid appreciation for the author’s inflamed by local rumours in circula- effort. At the same time, the work tion which warned that the Spaniards stimulates the historian to evaluate were unscrupulous in utilizing astute singular episodes and their importance tactics of conquest in a bid to extend in the characterization of the entire their dominions - tactics that utilized trend, as well as the realization of Book Reviews 141 investigations and further research into least an indication, and possible conse- themes that are both broad and at the quent analysis, of other sources, and a same time detailed, in their scope. At more detailed historiography. As a the most, for the purpose of a critical basic indication, undoubtedly incom- literary appreciation, one can make plete, of Jesuit reports and reactions some brief and modest comments and (audiatur et altera pars! reasons for indications in order to reconsider some which one shall shortly indicate), one aspects of the delicate sixteenth-seven- can highlight: L. FROIS, Relación de teenth century phase that took place in Martirio de los 26 cristianos crucifi- the history of the evangelization of cados en Nagasaki el 5 febrero de Japan, as well as a general overview of 1597, ed. R. GALDOS, Rome 1935; the Namban century (named after “the the vignettes provided by the Jesuit barbarians from the South” as they Pedro Gomez, from Nagasaki on 14th were called in the islands of the Rising March 1597, in the Archivio Romano Sun), correlating it to the schemes of della Compagnia di Gesù (Roman cultural integration, to the reaction to Archives of the ) (ARSI) the Christian message, to the method- Jap. Sin., 31/I, cc. 131r-136r; the Jesuit ology of preaching and the respective inquiry held at Nagasaki from August diatribes amongst ordinary missiona- to October 1597, ibid, Jap.Sin., 31/II, ries, to the political interference, to the cc. 233r - 276r. One can also refer to bloody reprisals and to the capital the British Museum’s Additional executions, in which the Catholics Manuscripts 9858, c.2; 9860, cc. 13r- would infer the typical manifestations 20r; Dos informaciones hechas en of martyrdom. Japón: una de la hazienda que Similar elements are enunci- Taycosama, señor del dicho Reyno, ated here in a systematic manner mandó tomar de la Nao S. Felipe...., which, at the same time, alludes suffi- Madrid 1599; J. L. ALVAREZ ciently to a set of problems of dogma TALADRIZ, Primera Información that, as the author indicates, has exis- Auténtica de los 26 santos de Japón, tential repercussions even in present hecha en Nagasaki, en Febrero de times. These involve multiple factors, 1597 por el Obispo D. Pedro and appear to be more intricate than Martinez, in “Osaka Gaikokugo any of the uplifting narratives, roman- Gakuho”, 17 (1967), pp. 15-37. Many ticized presentations and apologetic archival references, news and events claims would have us believe. are to be found in the vast and indis- With regard to the work in pensable works of J. F. SCHÜTTE, question, one could mention that the Introductio ad historiam Societatis extraordinary effort in presenting the Jesu in Japonia 1549-1650, Rome documentation would benefit from at 1968, passim, but especially pp. 715- 142 Book Reviews

736; Monumenta historiae Japoniae, I, Tokyo 1990, especially pp. 140-186. Rome 1975, passim. An extremely recent work (which was In addition, but again without published after Tellechea Idígoras’ any pretensions of being an exhaustive book saw the light of day) is the very guide, it would be useful to refer to accurate study by the late J. RUIZ DE general studies, which the author MEDINA, El Martirologo del Japón neglects, for example, the ever valuable 1558-1873, Rome 1999, of special work of OTIS CARY, A History of relevance are pages 84-101 and 287- , Richmond 1994 297. (first edition published in 1909) espe- This long list, which is still to cially pp. 99-134, or to “classic” texts be further improved, could appear such as CHARLES R. BOXER, The surprising. However, it seems that only Christian Century in Japan 1549- a broad critical review, as one can call 1650, Berkeley-Los Angeles 1967; it, would help to avoid some of the MATSUDA Kiichi, Taiko to Gaiko, rigid views and interpretative compul- Tokyo 1966; J. JENNES, A History of sions which are not altogether absent the in Japan from its in Tellechea Idígoras’ introduction, Beginnings to the Early Meiji Era, and likewise, place the extensive docu- 1549-1873, Tokyo 1973; J. ELISON, mentation provided in this volume Deus Destroyed, The Image of Chris- under review in its proper context. tianity in Early Modern Japan, According to the author, it Cambridge-London 1973; M. Cooper, seems likely that the Franciscan inter- Rodrigues, the Interpreter, New York vention succeeded in dissipating the 1974; J. P. OLIVEIRA E COSTA, prevailing climate of opposition to the Portugal and Japan. The Namban Catholic propaganda which was Century, Portuguese State Mint 1993 imposed in 1587 by the notorious edict (an excellent general study; the analyt- issued by Hideyoshi. This could be ical study A Rivalidade luso-espanhola attributed to a method of preaching no Extremo Oriente e a querela that differed from the Jesuit method: a missionológica no Japão (published in view that is by no means novel in the the Actas do Colóquio Internacional field of historiography (see, for Comemorativo dos 450 anos de example, F. LOPEZ, Os Franciscanos Amizade Portugal-Japão [1543-1993], no Oriente Português de 1584 a 1590 ed. R. CARNEIRO and A. T. de in “Studia”, 9 [1962], p. 116), based MATOS, Lisbon 1994, pp.477-524) by on contemporary views that the texts the same author is an invaluable refe- transcribed by Tellechea Idígoras also rence work). Likewise, GONOI strongly suggest, and that echo vividly Takashi, presents a balanced in one of the preguntas of the Manila panorama in Nihon Kirishuto Kyoshi, Inquiry of 1595 (2nd book): “si saben Book Reviews 143 etc..que, al tiempo que fueron al Japón tical hiatus capable of surmounting the los frailes franciscos, estaba muy cayda old and new fractures that afflicted his la cristiandad que en aquellos reynos country, the rivalries between the abían començado los Padres de la Buddhist sects, and the potentially Compañia de Jesùs [...] y con la llegada dangerous elements introduced by the de los religiosos franciscos se a restau- foreigners. All these elements could rado todo”, pp 73-74 [“it is known function only in the presence of a etc.. that at the time when the Fran- certain balance, which resulted in his ciscan brothers went to Japan, the resorting to contradictory measures - Christianity of that kingdom, which sometimes imposing repressive meas- had been founded by the Fathers of the ures such as the antichristian norms of Society of Jesus, [...] had fallen into 1587 (which were however not applied decadence, and with the arrival of the very strictly) and at other times Franciscans everything was restored”]. inclined towards greater tolerance, in Obviously, the question determined the large measure due to the plan to curtail answer, but it also reflected a belief the influence of Buddhist groups, that had gained currency in a very astutely employing the prestige and short span of time, evident in the fact following of the Western religion as a that a Franciscan could proclaim to tactic against these elements. feel as safe and secure in Japanese Also to be considered impor- lands as in the Spain of Phillip II tant in this exceedingly difficult (Pérez, Cartas...., cit., Vol. III, pp. 121- balance, was the attitude of the Chris- 122). More realistically, the Governor tian daimyô, the commercial needs of of the Philippines, Luis Pérez Dasmar- the port of Nagasaki, a city which had iñas, in a missive dated 23 June 1594 been entrusted to the Jesuits, and the to the very same Phillip II, raised his influence that some of them enjoyed in doubts about the guarantees made by the court. All these factors contributed Hideyoshi with regard to their freedom to a modus vivendi which did not to preach (F. COLLINS, P. PASTELLS, preclude either the careful activism of Labor Evangelica de los obreros de la the fathers of the Society or a possible Compañia de Jesùs en las islas Filip- further expansion of the area in which inas, 3 Vols. Barcelona 1903-1904, the their influence would hold sway. event cited here, Vol. II, pp 77). Thus, Organtino, a Jesuit from In effect, through a historical Brescia, when writing to his Padre viewpoint which tries to capture the Generale on 14 February 1595, (i.e. complex sense of developments based quite some time after the repressive on singular episodes, the situation edict was issued), did not hide his appears to possess an extraordinary discreet optimism. Even while referring fluidity. Hideyoshi sought a socio-poli- to the “tribulations that we have 144 Book Reviews suffered in the past eight years”, he Masahuru, Two Documents could not contain his renewed hopes : Discovered at Taka-tsuki, in “It is a large country, the ministry is “Proceedings of the Imperial sublime, and the affairs of the souls are Academy”, 9 [1933], pp 283-288). an infinite treasure. And if one were to It was in this context that the speak of the nobility of the success dramatic episode (or rather, “the gained for God, nowhere will one find misfortune”, as Tellechea Idígoras a more noble and elegant companion classifies the incident) of the galleon and Church than that of Japan: sósó San Felipe took place. Although much yatonare hito no cudassare tamaye, has been written with regard to this which means that very soon Your episode, some details are still not very Grace will send members of the Society clear, and it will probably be impos- for this purpose“. The Italian sible to clarify the matter. After a missionary further added that “greater dispassionate appraisal of the docu- ability, greater spirit and greater mentation, it is incongruous to prudence than before” were necessary attribute to the “Jesuits”, in particular (ARSI, Jap-Sin., 12 II a, cc. 252r e v). to the “Bishop of Japan”, Pedro The correct and sensitive comportment Martins, responsibility for having in of the members of the Society, that at any measure endangered the Spanish times had to resort to going under- and the Franciscans, presenting them ground (hissoku), and the profound to Hideyoshi as a perfect example of respect, or rather esteem, shown by enemies of the state, involved, more or Hideyoshi towards some of them, for less directly in the masterplan to example, João Rodriguez Tçuzu, install Hispanic hegemony. Citing the resulted understandably in renewed audience that Hideyoshi granted to confidence (see SCHÜTTE, Intro- the Bishop “as Ambassador of the ductio..., pp. 726-732). If the church Portuguese Viceroy of Goa”, the of the college of Nagasaki was author affirms that during the destroyed in the wake of an edict meeting, “Portuguese and / or Jesuits issued by Hideyoshi, it was also reaffirmed their dependence on quickly rebuilt without any hindrance Portugal - concealing the new status of by the authorities. Likewise the the union of the two kingdoms under missionaries also received permission Phillip II - and made grave accusations to accompany the Christian daimyô that, born of political interests, and soldiers in the Korean War. In pointed a finger at both the crew of these very same years, the Jesuits regu- the galleon San Felipe, as well as both larly published liturgical calendars (J. directly and indirectly at the Francis- LAURES Kirishitan bunko, Tokyo cans. In effect, they affirmed that the 19757, p. 114; also see ANESAKI crew of the galleon were spies, thieves Book Reviews 145 and pirates who had come to prepare context with relation to the western the conquest of Japan, while the latter reverberations, has dedicated to this were their fellow conspirators for the subject. Amongst other works, he has same purpose” (p. 41). Despite his authored the extremely valuable research and albeit with some reserva- anthology They Came to Japan. An tions, Tellechea Idígoras is inclined to Anthology of European Reports on believe that the Jesuit was unmistake- Japan 1543-1640, London 1965). In ably responsible. “Nobody has unrav- the aforementioned work, Rodrigues elled the mystery of the personal role the Interpreter, pp. 132-139; 148-162 or the influence by means of third he achieves a meticulous, almost day- parties that Bishop Martins exercised by-day, reconstruction of the events, in the affair”, he states, and then based on documentary material from proceeds to describe the version of a various sources. In particular, he high- member of the crew of the galleon, lights serious and abundant rationes Pedro de Figueroa Maldonado, who dubitandi with reference to the explicitly accuses the prelate of veracity of the versions, both of the “weaving the web” of the Japanese aforementioned Figueroa Maldonado monarch’s anti-Franciscan plot (ibid.). (p. 151) as well as that of the Fran- One would not like to subject ciscan Juan Pobre de Zamora (p. 157: the reader to a sort of instruction, partially already published by recreating for a moment the structure BOXER, The Christian Century...., of the process of historiography, whose cit., pp. 420-424). As is natural, in a mechanisms have been well illustrated, historiographical comparison, for example, by the bollandista Peeters Cooper’s conclusions, being rather in his work on Les aphorismes du sroit ambiguous, can be debated: however dans la critique historique, in the they can definitely not be ignored. “Bulletin de l’Academie Royale du The passage in the Introduc- Belgique”, 32 (1946), pp. 81-116 (also tion in which Tellechea Idígoras relevant, H. I MARROU, La ponders on the comportment of Bishop conoscenza storica, Bologna 1988, pp. Martins in the circumstances of the 116-117): this is not the place and in tragic appeal is equally perplexing. He any case the attempt would be incon- refers to the drastic accusation of Fr. gruous. However, one would like to Jerónimo de Jesús with regard to the highlight how contemporary testimo- hostility of the Jesuits with regard to nials, cited in critical reconstructions, the Franciscans and on his subsequent are not limited to those cited by the conduct, which is held to be the cause author. I limit myself to referring to the of the martyrdom: “If he had told the pages that Cooper, who is a truth the barefoot fathers would not meticulous researcher on the Japanese have been crucified; and if they were 146 Book Reviews crucified it was due to the role of the Francisco de San Antonio, Chronicas Fathers of the Society of Jesus and he de la Apostólica Provincia de San with them [....] and in the times of the Gregorio, III, Manila 1744): the details persecution, fled or were made to flee correspond to the abovementioned only to close Japan to the friars”. (p. description, but one can mention one 53). The author comments that “These detail that is important in establishing are harsh sentences, but are fundamen- the historical quality of the representa- tally true. At the time of the tion and the respective nature of the martyrdom, the Bishop stood out by testimonials: the “crucified martyrs” his absence, delegating the assistance depicted here are not “twenty six” as in situ of the martyrs to the Fathers Tellechea Idígoras writes, but are Passio and Rodriguez and he followed instead twenty three, with the obvious the events from afar. In an engraving exclusion of the three Jesuits. The which depicts the scene of the twenty iconographic interpretation of the six crucified martyrs, it is these two circumstances of the martyrdom fathers who appear amongst them. would therefore appear to be inclined And in the lower right hand corner one in an obvious direction. sees the Bishop Martins contemplating In tune with the same wave- the scene from a window....” (ibid.). length, one could point out some other Seen from another point of observations, for example, about the view, the facts can be interpreted attribution of miraculous happenings differently. It seems that the incumbent to the accounts (“hechos estraños” is administrator (bugyô) of the port of how the author qualifies them) that Nagasaki acceded to the request made some individuals affirmed took place by the Jesuits Passio and Rodriguez to after the martyrdom (pp. 61-64, and assist the condemned martyrs. the testimonials included in book III). However, he also warned that no other It would also be opportune to compare Jesuit would be allowed to be present different versions, and thus also at at the time of the execution. (FROIS, least refer to information given by the Relación...., cit., p. 89; e P. Gomez, in Portuguese Jesuit Bishop Cerqueira, ARSI, Jap.-Sin., 53/I, c. 134r). In any for example, in Assento e sentença case the evidence of the scarce or non sobre certa relação de huma cosa mila- existent participation of Martins in the grosa, Nagasaki, 20 October 1598 event is perplexing, as is likewise the (ibid., cc. 208r-216v). Nor would it be engraving which has just been out of place to evaluate the veracity of described and which is reproduced on the peculiar representation by a p. 350 of the volume, without indi- Japanese Christian, a certain Pedro cating it’s origin. In effect, one can find Kano, who, in the name of a further it in the work of the Franciscan Juan three Christians, in 1603 denied the Book Reviews 147 accusation previously made against the cient to refer not only to the previously Jesuits in declarations made to the cited works of Boxer, The Christian provincial heads of the Franciscans, Century...., or to the indications given Dominicans and Augustinians (ibid., by the same author in Nota sobre o 20/I, cc. 162r-163v). comercio entre Macau, Manila e These specific observations are Nagasaki, 1580-1640, in Miscelênea a not intended in any way to diminish memória de Francisco Adolfo Coelho the value, in the historiographical (1847-1919), Lisbon 1950, pp.37-46, context, of the documentation that but also to the ever stimulating essays Tellechea Idígoras offers us. However, by P. CHAUNU, Une grande puissance it serves to highlight how asymmetrical economique et financière. Les debuts the numerous and prolific attempts to de la Compagnie de Jesús au Japon deconstruct and reconstruct a discon- (1547-1583), in «Annales», 1950, pp. tinuous mosaic can prove to be, 198-212; IDEM, Manille et Macao balancing elements which are often face à la conjunture des XVI e XVII widely divergent and inserted in an siècles, ibid., 1962, pp. 550-580; as organic design. However, one must not well as to the research of B. VIDEIRA lose sight of the overall panorama to PIRES, A viagem de comércio Macau- be able to distinguish, beyond the Manila nos séculos XVI-XIX, Macao episodes which are vital for our know- 1987. ledge, the implications both in the In this background, the rela- medium and long term, as well as the tions between Portugal and Spain on effects precipitated by these decisive the one hand and Japan on the other events. In addition to a critical appre- are relevant, as well as the internal ciation, one can indicate some dynamics of power of the latter. These schematic vignettes, drawn from a were above all the result of social bibliography that is complementary to transformations and the driving force the commentaries proffered by the of centralization of which first Oda work under review. Nobunaga and later Toyotomi Even with reference to the Hideyoshi were the principal protago- events that took place in Nagasaki in nists. In the midst of the strategies and 1597, these are, in fact, understand- the tactics that unfolded, the cultural able if placed in the context of broader prestige of the European missionaries, dynamics, which were undoubtedly the respect which they obtained with religious, but also at the same time, daimyô, their initial usefulness in —- were also related to phenomena of an accentuating? the discord between the economic, cultural and political Buddhist sects and the impetus gained nature. With reference to the former, due to the commerce with Europe, for promising indications, it is suffi- their home base, all served to consoli- 148 Book Reviews date a rising power. However, soon thus projected further threatening Christianity was perceived as a poten- shadows. tial factor of dissension, an instrument It is impossible to verify if the that would erode ancient long estab- remarks purportedly made by the pilot lished traditions. It was, however, an of the galleon San Felipe with regard to element of confrontation in the context the expansionist aims of Spain and the of a process that was already well collaboration with missionary activi- underway. A web of relations, labori- ties were authentic, misreported or ously woven by the Jesuits, slowly exaggerated. However, it is undeniable unraveled in bits and pieces. Some- that suspicions of this sort in reality times it was possible to mend the did circulate at the close of the damage but it eventually came apart sixteenth century, and were continually due to the preemptory measures of the refueled in the following years. In Japanese authorities with regard to a 1615, Cocks, writing from Hirado compact indivisible social body. As for informed his commercial agent of the the rest of the analogy, both in its rumours, according to which “The proportions and as well as it’s diverse King of Spain usurpeth Portingall by components, it should not really force and kepeth the rightful heirs out, surprise the European historian, due to as he does the like in other parts of the the situation established in our conti- world, and would do the like in Japan nent based on the principle of cuius if he could, and the padres are fit regio eius religio. Likewise, it would instruments to stir the people to rebel- suggest the need to moderate the lion” (MURAKAMI N., Letters explanations (lamentably often vocif- written by the English Residents in erous and misleading) based on the Japan (1611-1623), Tokyo 1900, p. psychological motivations of the 159). Japanese protagonists and, above all, From this point of view, one to soften the tone of recrimination stri- can comprehend the efforts made by dently evident in every critical analysis, the Jesuits to prudently accept some of for the events that took place. The the particular characteristics of the Portuguese conquests and the Euro- civilization of the country with respect pean bases in the Orient, the occupa- to certain customs and usages, in the tion of the Philippines by the Spanish, undoubtedly arduous task of capturing the news of the proven successes, of the cultural loyalties. It promised to be a latter power in vast areas of the new difficult undertaking that (to employ world conjured up disturbing images an obviously simplistic anachronism of powerful and conquering forces, that is, however, capable of repro- reinforced by the ideas and practices of ducing the trend of their leanings) we the new religion, which could have could define as “acculturation”. Even Book Reviews 149 that which seemed to be, and in part giosas in Misionação Portuguesa was, a consolidation of the mission encontro de culturas, Vol. II África based on the principle that the Oriental, Oriente e Brasil, Braga 1993, Japanese mission was entrusted solely pp. 343-358?) to the Jesuits, can also be interpreted The controversy elicited from a similar point of view. It is widely diverging pronouncements undoubtedly important to place this from the Holy See, not only due to the within a composite background, influxes that from time to time whose components have been perspi- prevailed there, but also due to the caciously deconstructed and investi- political obstacles and objectives gated by Oliveira e Costa in his essay connected with the nationality of the on A rivalidade luso-espanhola no missionaries as well as with control of Extremo Oriente [The Lusitanian- the commercial routes. In any case, the Spanish rivalry in the Far East]. Jesuit propensity to welcome and inte- However, it would be folly to yet again grate elements of the Japanese civiliza- indulge in a simplistic psychological tion is clearly evident, albeit in varying exercise to reduce everything to jeal- degrees. This is evident in a very ousies (which did, however, exist) concrete manner by the induction of amongst the various Orders. The opin- members of the Order who belonged ions and the options in play resulted in to the local populace, as is demon- friction in each one of the alignments, strated by the research of J. P. if one can use this term. Tellechea OLIVEIRA E COSTA, Os Jesuitas no Idígoras assiduously highlights these Japão (1549-1598). Uma Análise factors in the case of the Franciscans Estatística, in Portuguese Voyage to (p.31). However, it would also be very Asia and Japan in the Renaissance instructive to review the debates Period, Instituto Cultural de Macau, amongst the Jesuits, particularly Instituto Camões, Fundação Oriente, concentrating on the views of Valig- 1994, wherein he also provides a nano, thoughtfully pondering the numerical overview of this phenom- negative fallout of having brought and enon. presented to the Japanese world diver- In effect, a certain discernment gent ( if not downright conflicting) was evident. If in fact a tendency did organizations and styles of evangeliza- emerge, which is very obvious in the tion. (Why not refer to the excellent awareness of the Italian father Organ- essay by Ana Maria PROSERPIO tino, who on the contrary, even in the LEITÃO, Os primordios da rivalidade nineties supported the cause of the entre franciscanos e jesuitas no Japão Franciscans, whose simplicity and em finais do século XVI. A questão da spirit of sacrifice and penitence he vinda de outras congregações reli- greatly admired (Letter from Miyako 150 Book Reviews dated 29th September 1594, in ARSI, Japan”, at the same time he added that Jap.-Sin., 12/I, c.184v : by a perhaps “the book of Contemptus mundi has not entirely fortuitous coincidence, one been translated and printed in the can read one of the depositions to language and script of Japan, which is which Tellechea Idígoras refers, in greatly admired and widely utilized by which he expresses great esteem for the the Japanese” (ARSI, Jap.-Sin., 54/III, “pobreça e aspera vida” [simplicity cc. 218r e 224v; About the text and and frugal lifestyle] of the Franciscans Japanese receptivity, see LAURES, and their “desprecio del mundo” Kirishitan bunko, pp. 55-57). At the [detachment from the world]). same time, treatises on the martyrdom However, he does not hesitate to criti- proliferated (ibid., p.90). An ancient cize their methods of proselytism (see tension of a strangely religious nature FROIS, História de Japam, ed. J. still prevailed. This continued to be WICKI, 5 Vols., Lisbon 1976-1984: true even though it was subject to cited here Vol. V, pp. 456-457). It is various ramifications from diverse possible that some unforeseeable cultures and societies. More than any successes could have resulted from the mere contextualization, this provides a Jesuit experiment, were it not for the fascinating leit motif that finds a fact that the sakoku showed an iron resounding echo in the documents resolve, along with other bloody waves presented by Tellechea Idígoras. of persecution, that would prove to be an enduring implacability that hastily Annibale Zambarbieri terminated projects and smothered any University of Pavia last hopes. The dialectics between acculturation, faith, martyrdom and the singular nicodemismo of the Conrad Totman, , would reappear several times over a wide span of time. A History of Japan Here, to complement the enlightening (Maldemn (Mass.) - Oxford, texts of Tellechea Idígoras, I would Blackwell Publishers, 2000) add that already at the time of the inci- dent of the martyrdom of Nagasaki, a This book was published sudden emergence of mystique was to recently and it is included in the collec- take place, even within the Jesuit fold, tion The Blackwell History of the with regard to detachment from the World. The author has had a long world and the sacrifice of one’s life for career in American universities the faith. While, in 1603, de teaching Japanese history, and has Matos S. J. would inform his superiors published some relevant studies of a “tempestuous and instable specially on Early Modern Japan