Kichijiro's Cycle of Betrayal and Confession

The repeated pattern of Kichijiro's betrayal of Christians and his subsequent seeking of confession and absolution.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

First Betrayal in Macao

First Betrayal in Macao Background Kichijiro was a fisherman from Hizen who had been picked up by a Portuguese ship. He was a Christian but had apostatized years ago when his family was martyred. He was a drunkard and coward. Meeting the Priests Rodrigues and Garrpe met him in Macao and hired him as a guide. He was servile and cunning. They suspected he had betrayed his family. Significance Kichijiro's first appearance establishes his character as the weakling who betrays. He becomes a foil to the strong martyrs.

Betrayal of Mokichi and Ichizo

Betrayal of Mokichi and Ichizo The Fumie Test Kichijiro was sent to Nagasaki as a hostage. At the interrogation, he was the first to trample on the fumie and spit on the Virgin. Mokichi and Ichizo refused and were imprisoned. Aftermath Kichijiro was released and disappeared. He felt shame but continued to drink. He later returned to Tomogi but was shunned. Significance This betrayal directly led to the water punishment of the two men. Kichijiro's weakness contrasts with their strength. It deepens his guilt.

Betrayal of Rodrigues

Betrayal of Rodrigues Leading Rodrigues into a Trap Kichijiro guided Rodrigues through the mountains, giving him dried fish to make him thirsty. He then went to fetch water but returned with the officials. He betrayed Rodrigues for three hundred pieces of silver. Remorse and Confession Later, Kichijiro followed Rodrigues to prison, begging for confession. He wept and said he was weak. Rodrigues absolved him but felt disgust. Significance

Final Confession and Arrest

Final Confession and Arrest Seeking Absolution Kichijiro followed Rodrigues to Edo and served as his attendant. He was caught with a Christian image and arrested. He continued to confess his sins to Rodrigues. Imprisonment and Death Kichijiro was tortured and eventually died. His faith remained weak, but he kept seeking reconciliation. Significance Kichijiro's story is one of persistent weakness and persistent grace. He represents the many who are not heroes but still cling to faith.

Before leaving Macao, 1638

During the interrogation at Nagasaki, June 1638

After the Goto journey, 1638

Years later, in Edo, 1670s