An opera about the life of a daimyo who was exiled for his Christian faith will be staged next year to mark the 100th anniversary of Japanese migration to the Philippines, according to organizers.
"I hope this opera will play a significant role in conveying to the world today the story of (feudal) lord Takayama Ukon" and inspire people to reflect on his life, said Edward Ishita, key organizer of the Japanese-Philippine production "Ukon Takayama -- The Blessed Lord."
Takayama Ukon (1552-1615) is Japan's best-known Christian daimyo. He was forced from the Harima domain into exile in Manila with his family and followers after the Tokugawa shogunate's order of general persecution of Christianity in 1614. He died in Manila the following year.