Database: Takatsuki Castle

Takayama Tomoteru and his son, Takayama Ukon, who became the lords of the castle in 1573, played important roles in the development of this thriving walled city, while fervently supporting missionary work in Japan. Converting to the Christian religion at the age of 12, Ukon had a church built on the castle grounds and invited missionaries to celebrate religious services for the inhabitants. According to the writings of the Jesuit priest, Luis Frois, the site featured a spacious wooden chapel, living quarters for missionaries, and in one corner, a large cross which had been erected near a beautiful garden and pond.

Approximately 18,000 to 20,000 Christians lived in Takatsuki. Such was the strength of Ukon's religious convictions that Oda Nobunaga devised a ploy to gain his support by tempting his faith. Nobunaga sent Father Organtino to request on his behalf a pledge of allegiance from Ukon. If Ukon provided support, the Jesuits would have carte blanche to proselytize; otherwise, they would all be put to death. Ukon accepted and Nobunaga "was not a little pleased."