UST unveils statue of ‘Samurai of Christ’ Takayama Ukon

After the Catholic Church beatified Justo Takayama Ukon last month, a statue in honor of the Christian samurai was unveiled at the Thomas Aquinas Research Center in the University of Santo Tomas on Tuesday, March 28.

A priest blesses the newly unveiled statue of Blessed Justus (or Justo) Takayama Ukon at the Thomas Aquinas Research Center at the University of Santo Tomas on March 28, 2017. Photos: Danny Pata

Takayama (1552-1615), a renowned feudal warlord known for protecting Christians, was one of 300 Japanese who were banished from Nagasaki after refusing to renounce their faith as demanded by the shogun.

He arrived in Manila in December 1614 and stayed in the Philippines for 40 days, cared for by Jesuits in Intramuros, before his death at the start of February 1615. The samurai was eventually recognized as a pillar of early Catholicism in Japan and the “epitome of the Japanese spirit.”

The Department of Tourism is currently looking into developing historical sites that have gained prominence after the samurai's beatification in February.

Last month, an exhibit and lecture in Takayama's honor was held at the Manila Cathedral, led by Millar. Dr. Jose Victor Torres from De La Salle University also conducted the lecture that focused on Takayama's life.

A life-size monument in his honor can also be found at the Plaza Dilao in Paco, Manila. — Bianca Rose Dabu/BM/TJD, GMA News