CHRIST AND JAPAN by TOYOHIKO KAGAWA Originally published in 1934.
Translator's Preface: This volume contains penetrating insights and
illuminating Interpretations of the Japanese mind and heart by one
who has plumbed both and knows his fellow-nationals as few know
them. The creative process back of this book opens a window into
Dr. Kagawa's technique as a writer. Impaired eyesight, periodically
bordering on blindness, makes both reading and writing impos sible.
For six months, in the midst of a program which would drive most
men to distraction, he somehow found time to mull over this
production* and then, for ten terrific days and nights, with his
whole personality aflame, he dictated it to his Japa nese
amanuensis. The translator has striven to convey to the Eng lish
reader the message and the mood o the author. The effort to lure
the English language into giving adequate expression to the
scintillating thoughts and the glowing soul of the writer, has been
an agonizing yet fascinating task. Dr. Kagawa has ap proved of the
English text in Its final form. WILLIAM AXLING. Contents include:
CHRIST CLAIMS JAPAN: A Prologue 3 I. JAPAN AND THE JAPANESE 7 II.
STRONG AND WEAK FEATURES OF JAPANESE CHARACTER 20 III. THE JAPANESE
SPIRIT IN THE MODERN WORLD 42 IV. THE RELIGIOUS LIFE OF THE
JAPANESE 72 V. JAPAN NEEDS CHRIST 104 VI. GIVE CHRIST A CHANCE! 120
Index 143. Christ and Japan. Prologue: realm Inviolate. It Is an
astounding story, but In Japan's centuries-long history not one of
her myriad Islands has passed Into the possession of an alien hand
or land. This genius for preservation has unfortunately Included
the bad as well as the good. In the same careful way she has
preserved theworld-wide system of public prostitution, the deadly
syphilis brought by the Portuguese traders, the curse-laden liquor
and the sin which has reigned since Adam's day. But must Japan
preserve these vices forever? Must the sword which the samurai so
proudly bore for ever be In evidence? Must the brothel, the saloon,
the penitentiary, and oppressive police power for ever remain in
the picture? O Japan! Eternal love keeps calling! Petulant Japan!
Isolated Japan! Abandon your sulky mood and kneel before the God of
Infinite love. In your effort to rid yourself of sin and to
sanctify your soul you, too, must go by the way of the cross.
Christ opened a way of salvation even for Japan. Yes! Though the
whole wide world forsakes her, Christ, the reveal er of eternal
love, will never cease to woo Japan until he wins, Japan Is
famishing for love. Love, God's love, can only be found and
fathomed in Christ. He has laid siege to Japan's soul, and she
belongs to him. The cruelties which for three hundred years char
acterized the persecutions under the Tokugawa Shogunate can hardly
be paralleled in the history of mankind. Yet, when the Shogunate
fell and the Meiji government proclaimed freedom for the
propagation of the gospel, over twenty thousand Christians came
triumphantly forth from hidden islands and secluded villages. Japan
had not turned her back on Christ. Japan possesses a mysterious
power of preserving values. Confucianism has all but perished In
China, the land of Its birth. But, In Japan, it Is still a vital
force. Buddhism has fallen into decay In India where It was
cradled. With us It has flowered into new life. [ 3]
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