June 8th

On June 8th, the authorities in Tomogi adopted a new, deceptive approach to force the villagers to reveal the hidden priests, sending a smiling old samurai who offered tax reductions for information and demanded three hostages be sent to Nagasaki, a demand that led to the selection of Kichijiro, Ichizo, and Mokichi and set the stage for their subsequent martyrdom.

The Shift in Tactics

Following the failed intimidation of June 5th, when the Jiisama was taken hostage and the villagers remained silent, the authorities changed their strategy. On June 8th, instead of a ferocious samurai on horseback, a smiling old samurai accompanied by four or five followers arrived in Tomogi. He advised the villagers to weigh the matter carefully, thinking of the pros and cons. He indicated that whoever would honestly reveal the names of the adherents of this Christian sect would obtain a reduction in taxation in the coming years. For these destitute farmers, the thought of a tax reduction was alluring, yet they overcame the temptation. The old samurai, laughing, then declared that he must ask his Superiors which was right—their statement or that of the informer—and demanded a hostage. He said, "From your number please select three men and send them to Nagasaki tomorrow. Since I am quite confident that you are doing nothing wrong, there is nothing to worry about." His voice held no hint of intimidation, but everyone knew it was a trap.

The Selection of the Hostages

The men of Tomogi spent that night debating fiercely who should be sent to the magistrate's headquarters at Nagasaki, knowing the men selected might never return. Even the Tossama and other office-holders flinched. Gathering in a dark farmhouse, the peasants scrutinized one another keenly, each secretly asking himself how to escape this terrible role. The name of Kichijiro was mentioned, partly because he was a stranger, not a native of Tomogi, and partly because many harbored the deep feeling that the whole catastrophe had occurred because of him. The poor weakling fell into terrible confusion and began to cry, finally breaking into abusive language against everyone around. The others argued that they would have to abandon their wives and children, while Kichijiro, not belonging to the village, would not be cross-examined so severely. With clasped hands they entreated him until, from sheer weakness, he could no longer refuse. Then, unexpectedly, Ichizo spoke up, volunteering to go, and Mokichi joined him, saying he would be the third.

The Departure and Its Consequences

On the morning of June 9th, a light drizzling rain fell as the three men climbed up to the wood to see the priests before departing. Mokichi seemed a little excited; Ichizo, his eyes narrowed as always, was sullen and silent; Kichijiro looked like a whipped dog, pitifully glaring at the priests with eyes filled with resentment. Mokichi, head hanging, mumbled a question that revealed the terrible dilemma they faced: "Father, if we are ordered to trample on the fumie... It's not only a matter that concerns us. If we don't trample, everyone in the village will be cross-examined. What are we to do?" Overcome with pity, Sebastian Rodrigues gave an answer he knew was wrong, shouting, "Trample! Trample!"—words that should never have been on his lips. Francisco Garrpe looked at him reproachfully. Kichijiro, snivelling, cried out, "Why has Deus Sama given us this trial? We have done no wrong." After a final prayer, the three men descended the mountain and disappeared into the mist, never to be seen again by the priests. This event directly led to their cross-examination at Sakuradai, where Kichijiro trampled the fumie while Mokichi and Ichizo ultimately confessed their faith, leading to their imprisonment and eventual martyrdom by water torture on the beach of Tomogi.