Gaspar Coelho
Gaspar Coelho (c. 1529 – 1590) was a Portuguese Jesuit missionary and one of the heads of the Japan mission, having substituted Francisco Cabral. Unlike other priests, such as Luís Fróis and Gaspar Vilela, Coelho was against the adoption of Japanese customs in order to better preach to and to convert the Japanese into Christianity.[1]
History
Toyotomi Hideyoshi met with Coelho while marching towards the island of Kyushu, and discussed with him plans for a an invasion of Korea, asking for a couple of Portuguese ships in exchange for a good number of churches being built once the territory had been conquered. COelho agreed to the proposal, and also told Hideyoshi that he would make sure the Christian warlords in Kyushu would also support him, leading Hideyoshi to conclude that the Jesuits had entirely too much influence in Japan.[1]
Upon Hideyoshi's return from his campaign, they once again met with each other, where Coelho reiterated his support for the Korean campaign. Later, at nighttime, Hideyoshi sent a questionary to Coelho, inquiring about the Jesuits' purpose coming to Japan, and the reasons for their destruction of Buddhist temples. Coelho, shocked by the change in treatment, answered that the Jesuits had come to propagate their faith and it was the converts who had attacked the Buddhist temples. Unsatisfied with his answers, Hideyoshi made a decree expelling the Jesuits from the country in 20 days.[1]
Appearances
- Echoes of History (mentioned only)
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Echoes of History – Shadows – Episode 3: Portuguese Missionaries in Japan