The Legacy of the Arima Seminary
| This historic site marks the beginning of Jesuit education in Japan, established in 1580 under the patronage of the Christian daimyo Arima Harunobu. |
| This Christian primary education institution was established in 1580 during the tenure of Arima Harunobu, a leader who provided steadfast support for the faith. While Japan’s first seminaries were founded in Arima and Azuchi, the Arima location was relocated three times to accommodate its expanding influence and scale. This final site, situated near Hinoe Castle, the official residence of the Arima clan, served as the definitive home for the seminary. Here, young students in their early teens were immersed in a rigorous curriculum that included Western music and Latin. In 1582, four of these early students were chosen for the historic Junior Embassy to Europe. Traveling as representatives of Arima Harunobu, these young ambassadors met with King Philip II of Spain and the Pope, effectively introducing the culture and presence of Japan to the European continent. |