Jesus in Japan

LETTERS FROM THE AGNO

March L. Fianza

BAGUIO CITY -- Until now, religion scholars burned their brows to come up with evidence to prove the 18 to 20-year absence of the youthful Christ who went missing at age 12. That long absence during his adolescence intrigued historians and scholars all over
    The missing years sparked debate among scholars which could be proof that Jesus wandered far and outside the common places he used to live at, until he reappeared at the age of about 30.
    The Book of Mark recounts that Jesus was teaching to locals all along in Nazareth, where a surprised participant once asked, and “Isn’t this the carpenter?” Jesus just stayed with his father Joseph the Carpenter and continued to study carpentry in his hometown.
    But contrary to the Book of Mark, some historians doubt that Jesus just stayed in his hometown. They say that if he did, he could have married which was what adolescents in the villages usually do.
    Instead, historians said that he traveled to India, Tibet, Britain and even Japan. This has launched inquiries, produced books and theories that Jesus left Jerusalem to join a secret religious group somewhere in the Judean desert.
    Another theory said that Jesus simply did not return home after visiting the Temple at age 12. Instead, some scholars said, the young Jesus was rebellious and venturesome and became a disciple of John the Baptist. Both were Essenes who advocated nonviolence.
    Still, another story said that prehistoric Buddhist manuscripts showed Jesus leaving Palestine then traveling to India, Nepal, Ladakh and Tibet. Jesus went to the Himalayas and studied under Shamans.
    Monks called him “Issa” while he trained with yogis in India, Nepal and Tibet. Although some monks do not agree, other scholars claimed to have seen manuscripts that explained his 20-year disappearance.
    Another account said Jesus went to Qumrān on the Dead Sea where he became a member of a reclusive community. This became a popular explanation of the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls in 1947.
    Then there is a story that the venturesome Jesus went to Britain. Historians noted that before the Roman invasion of Britain in 43 AD, the Dubunni, a tribe in Britain minted coins bearing the name “Eisu”. The mysterious person rose to prominence around 30 AD, the time Jesus was crucified.
    One more account said that Jesus traveled to Japan. Many Japanese locals believe that Jesus came to Japan at age 21.     Learning Japanese language and culture, he became a disciple of a Buddhist master near Mount Fuji. They also believe that Jesus escaped the crucifixion in Jerusalem and came back to Japan.
    According to the story, Jesus in Japan studied spirituality and went back to Judea at age 33 to preach. People in Judea, however, did not accept his teachings and instead tried to crucify him. But Isukiri, his younger brother, took his place and died on the cross.
    Then Jesus settled in Herai Village, sired three children and died at the age of 106. He was buried in a hillside grave that has become a tourist attraction today. This story was not popular before 1930, but it became the talk of the town after ancient documents were allegedly found.
    Until historians and scholars find better evidence, his missing years will remain an interesting suspense. Whatever, hoping that the “lost years” of Jesus make us reflect on the mystery of the death and resurrection of Christ, and wean us from sin.     Happy Covid-19 Easter!