Debra’s survey of Japanese history last night included this.  Have a look.  Perspective is always helpful.

 

To whatever extent we can trust Wikipedia articles, the aftermath of the Shimabara Rebellion led the church to go underground.  In time though this underground church became so camouflaged that it ended up casting off much that was distinctively Christian.  

 

I’d heard Philip Yancey refer to a Japanese author Shushaku Endo, and specifically his book, Endo.  It’s a retelling of the life of the persecuted church in Japan.  Might be worth a read before we depart!