Biographies of the Heroes:

Reverend Toyohiko Kagawa (Kagawa Toyohiko)

All text and images are 2007 Christopher Sunami.
(Illustrations by Michael Krone)
All rights reserved.
No duplication in any form
except by written permission of the author.
Reprinted here by permission.

Kagawa was born July 10, 1888, in Kobe, Japan, the son of a businessman and his geisha concubine. He was orphaned while young and taken in by his father’s legitimate wife. Neglected at home, he was mentored by missionaries, and converted to Christianity, eventually becoming a minister in the Japanese Presbyterian church. Upon reaching adulthood, he became a strong advocate of Christian pacifism, a stance which made him a frequent target of criticism at home in Japan.

He was also an advocate of the social gospel, eventually becoming a founder of Japan’s first labor union, as well as an organizer of a number of cooperative farming and lending organizations. He was a part of the transitional government that offered surrender to the United States at the end of World War II. He received the Order of the Sacred Treasure of Japan and was nominated for the 1955 Nobel Peace Prize. He died April 23, 1960 in Tokyo.

Notable Attributes:

Thrift, Activism, Generosity, Nonviolence, Prodigal Love, Commitment, Integrity

Principles:

Stand Up for What You Believe
Put Faith Above “Religion”
Pray Often
Serve the Least
Live Your Faith
Value Individuals
Be Openminded
Be Ready
Refuse Your Adversaries’ Gifts