Justo Takayama

Justo Takayama
Justo Takayama | @intramurosph

Who is Justo Takayama?

Justo Takayama Ukon was a Japanese “daimyo” known as a holy man in the Catholic Church. A “daimyo” is a Japanese nobleman. He forfeited his high status so he can live in holiness under the Catholic faith, and because of this, he was exiled from Japan and was forced to flee to Manila in 1614 where he dedicated his remaining days to living in prayer and holiness.

He died 2 months after arriving in Manila.

His Beatification was approved by Pope Francis in 2016, while the subsequent ceremonies were celebrated 2017 in Osaka, Japan. It is hoped by his devotees that he will one day become a saint.

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