The Wider Image: Japan's 'Hidden Christians' fear for religion's fate
Masaichi Kawasaki, 69, a descendent of 'Hidden Christians', chants 'orasho' in front of an altar adorned with a statue of the Virgin Mary at his home on Ikitsuki Island, Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan, November 4, 2019. Japan's "Kakure Kirishitan," or "Hidden Christians," preserved their faith in secret during centuries of persecution. "I worry that what my ancestors worked hard to preserve will disappear, but that is the trend of the times," said Kawasaki. "I have a son but I don't expect him to carry on," he added. "To think this will disappear is sad, without a doubt." REUTERS/Issei Kato SEARCH "HIDDEN CHRISTIANS" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.