Exhibition Showcasing Rare Christian Documents at Sophia University

Exhibition of Rare Christian Documents at Sophia University

Sophia University is set to unveil a remarkable exhibition titled "Sophia University Christian Library Rare Documents Exhibition" on December 8, 2025. This exhibition commemorates a century of Christian research in Japan, showcasing over 30 invaluable pieces, including previously unpublished materials, for the first time.

Established in 1939 by Father Johannes Laures, a distinguished professor at Sophia University, the Christian Library has long played a pivotal role in collecting, researching, and sharing Christian-related materials, both domestically and internationally. This initiative has significantly propelled Christian studies in Japan. However, due to the library's closed storage policy, public exhibitions of the collection have been exceedingly limited until now.

The exhibition will feature selected treasures, including significant Christian publications known as 'Kirishitanban' (Christian prints), among which the exceedingly rare editions of "Giyadopekadoru" (1599, Nagasaki) and "Sakaramenta Teiyo" (1605, Nagasaki) stand out. The event will also display other historically significant documents like a letter from the feudal lord Otomo Sorin dated 1569, a report on Japanese martyrs from 1632-33, and a commemorative medal from the Japan Mission's European legation from 1585, all of which bear immense academic importance.

Highlights of the Exhibition

Some of the featured items include:

- Kirishitanban "Giyadopekadoru" published in 1599 (Keicho 4) in Nagasaki
- Kirishitanban "Sakaramenta Teiyo" published in 1605 in Nagasaki
- Collection of Jesuit Letters published in 1570 (Coimbra edition)
- Engraving of Pope Gregory XIII published in 1603
- Letter from Otomo Sorin dated 1569 (First public display)
- Ortelius' "Map of the Japanese Islands" published in 1595
- Report on Japanese martyrs from 1632-33 (First public display)
- Commemorative medal from the European mission (copper, minted in 1585, First public display)
- Maria Kannon (transmitted from Amakusa)

Exhibition Details

- Name: Sophia University Christian Library Rare Documents Exhibition
- Open to Public: December 8, 2025 (Monday) from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM)
- Location: Catholic Jesuit Center, 1st floor, Building 2, Yotsuya Campus, Sophia University
- Number of Exhibited Items: Approximately 30 (planned)
- Admission: No reservation required, free entry
- Organizer: Sophia University Christian Library
- Inquiries: Email: [email protected], Phone: 03-3238-3538 (Weekdays 9 AM - 5 PM)

Related Events

In conjunction with the exhibition, a special lecture will be held on December 7, featuring Professor Shinzo Kawamura, a leading authority in Christian studies and historical advisor for Martin Scorsese's film "Silence", along with library staff member Shunta Takeyama.

Lecture Details

- Date: December 7, 2025 (Sunday) from 1:30 PM to 2:35 PM
- Location: Room 821, 8th Floor Central Library, Yotsuya Campus, Sophia University

The lectures will include:
1. "A Century of Christian Research and the Journey of Sophia University's Christian Library" by Professor Shinzo Kawamura
2. "The Collection of Sophia University's Christian Library and its 'Treasures' – Focusing on Letters from Martyrdom Priests of the Dominican Order and the 'Crucifixion Image' of the Outer Sea Christians" by Staff Member Shunta Takeyama

- Admission: Pre-registration required, first-come, first-served, free entry. Registration in advance with the Christian Library is necessary. Media representatives wishing to attend are also required to register. Email: [email protected], Phone: 03-3238-3538 (Weekdays 9 AM - 5 PM)