The story of Emperor Hirohito after World War II announcing he had become a Christian is well-documented, and his countrymen followed suit - today over 70% of Japan is Christian, and Shinto is seen to the younger generations much the way the Ancient Greek religion is to people today.
But the real story is more fascinating. Douglas MacArthur recounted being asked by the Emperor about converting the population, and MacArthur told him it would have to be on a “voluntary basis.” Somewhat flippantly, Emperor Hirohito asked him, “What if I converted?” MacArthur replied, “If it’s what you feel in your heart, follow Jesus. But don’t demand that the people do the same.
Hirohito didn’t demand that Japan adopt Christianity, but they did anyway, with Buddhism being the largest minority religion and an interesting Christian-Buddhist fusion in the Church of Japan.
What if he didn’t convert? He’s seen as Christianity’s most important concert since Emperor Constantine.
But the real story is more fascinating. Douglas MacArthur recounted being asked by the Emperor about converting the population, and MacArthur told him it would have to be on a “voluntary basis.” Somewhat flippantly, Emperor Hirohito asked him, “What if I converted?” MacArthur replied, “If it’s what you feel in your heart, follow Jesus. But don’t demand that the people do the same.
Hirohito didn’t demand that Japan adopt Christianity, but they did anyway, with Buddhism being the largest minority religion and an interesting Christian-Buddhist fusion in the Church of Japan.
What if he didn’t convert? He’s seen as Christianity’s most important concert since Emperor Constantine.