Nagasaki, known for its early interactions with Europeans, became a focal point for Christian missionaries in Japan during the 16th and early 17th centuries. However, by the early 1600s, the Tokugawa shogunate had grown increasingly wary of Christianity, viewing it as a destabilizing force that threatened Japanese culture and the existing social order. In 1622, as part of a larger campaign against Christianity, the Great Genna Martyrdom took place. Fifty-five Christians, including Japanese and foreign catechists, were executed as a stark punitive measure against their faith. Their resolve to uphold their beliefs even in the face of death signified a powerful testament to their conviction. The martyrs represented a blend of cultures, with some of them being European missionaries who had come to spread Christianity. These executions were often brutal, serving both as a public display of the shogunate's power and as a warning to others who might consider converting to Christianity. The use of torture and other savage methods demonstrated the extent to which the authorities sought to eradicate foreign influence, especially that of Christianity, which they deemed incompatible with Japanese values.In subsequent years, the martyrdom of these individuals became a significant symbol for Christians in Japan, inspiring underground believers who practiced their faith secretly. The unyielding faith of the martyrs kept the spirit of Christianity alive, and the legacy of their sacrifice continued to influence future generations, contributing to the hidden church movement that persisted in Japan despite severe persecution and strict prohibitions on Christianity.