New Book: Japanese Women and Christianity: Contributions of Japanese Women to the Church and Society

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The 8th of March marks the International Women's Day, a day set aside to honor the social, economic, cultural, and political contributions made by women throughout the world. In addition, women's rights movement, highlight problems such as gender equality and addresses injustices committed against women.

Samuel Lee brings to light an often overlooked narrative: the story of Japanese women and Christianity!

—Nikki Toyama-Szeto, Executive Director, Christians for Social Action

In this timely book, Japanese Women & Christianity: Contributions of Japanese Women to the Church and Society, Samuel Lee describes the significant roles that women in Japan have played since the arrival of Christianity in the 16th century. Women in Japan have contributed to Christianity’s growth in the nation for nearly five centuries, especially by promoting theological discussions and engaging in political, social, and cultural activism. Japanese women have contributed to charitable work, human rights, the fine arts, literature, and music. When Christianity was outlawed in Japan and Christians were persecuted (ca. 1565–1873), women even chose martyrdom and died for their faith. Each chapter first offers an overview of the historical, political, and social events that transpired during the era that it covers and explores the overall status of women in Japanese society and culture in the era that it addresses; it then gives a detailed description of the role of Christian women in Japan at the time.

WHAT OTHERS SAY

Based on historical analysis, Samuel Lee demonstrates how women have been treated and played an active role in each era of Japanese history. Japanese Women & Christianity is an important book that informs about women’s achievements in numerous domains such as politics, welfare, culture, pop culture, and education, and how women contributed to the formation and growth of society in each century. My appreciation to the author for his warm and affirming attitude toward women, as well as for his high regard for women and belief in their potential. Japanese Women & Christianity allows Japan to reflect on the past and re-examine the role that women play in society and in the world.

—Dr. Eiko Takamizawa Editorial board for the Journal of the Japan Missiological Society

Former professor of Intercultural Studies at Torch Trinity Graduate University Seoul, South Korea

In Japanese Women & Christianity, Samuel Lee emphasizes the tremendous contribution that Japanese women of faith have made by drawing on church history, personal tales, gender studies, and cultural analysis. Lee illustrates the unique contributions that context has on a greater understanding of faith and culture by delving deeply into the particularities of Japanese women and Christianity. He brings to light an often overlooked narrative: the story of Japanese women and Christianity. Samuel Lee’s important work brings to light an invisible story–that of Japanese women and Christianity.

—Nikki Toyama-Szeto, Executive Director, Christians for Social Action Co-editor, More than Serving Tea (IVP)

Samuel Lee provides this invaluable collection of Christian Japanese women’s biographical sketches, deftly interwoven with concise historical analysis. Highlighting Christian women in Japan is a long overdue and desperately needed contribution, particularly for an English-language audience. While drawing on other biographers’ labors, Lee has creatively compiled an original study that will no doubt open many doors for further study of Japan’s many heroines of the Christian movement.

—Rev. Dr. J. Nelson Jennings Editor, Global Missiology - English

Author of Theology in Japan: Takakura Tokutaro (1885-1934) and God the Real Superpower: Rethinking our Role in Missions

Japanese Women & Christianity: Contributions of Japanese Women to the Church and Society is now available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and other online and local bookstores. Those in Japan can purchase the book via Amazon Japan.

Academy Press of Amsterdam

Paperback 150 pages

ISBN-10: 907951604X

ISBN-13: 978-9079516049

Price: 29.95 USD

E-book ISBN: 978-90-79516-07-0 Price: 18.00 USD