Shingo, Aomori

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Crosses mark graves
Crosses mark graves
Sign explaining legend of grave of Christ
Sign explaining legend of grave of Christ
Refreshment stand near grave
Refreshment stand near grave

Shingō (新郷村; -mura) is a village located in Sannohe District, Aomori, Japan.

As of 2003, the village has an estimated population of 3,201 and a density of 21.22 persons per km². The total area is 150.85 km².

The town claims to be the last resting-place of Jesus, buried in the "Tomb of Jesus." According to the local lore, Jesus did not die on the cross at Golgotha. Instead his brother, Isukiri,[1] took his place on the cross, while Jesus fled across Siberia, Alaska, and finally to Aomori, Shingo, Japan, where he became a rice farmer, married, and raised a family. [2] [3] While no evidence exists to prove this claim, the town that calls itself Home of Christ (キリストの里, Kirisuto no Sato) is certainly home to some creative entrepreneurs doing a brisk business selling memorabilia and Jesus souvenirs to the large number of tourists. Another tomb in Shingo is said to contain an ear of the brother of Jesus and a lock of hair from the Virgin Mary. The claims started in 1933 after the discovery of supposed "ancient Hebrew documents detailing Jesus' life and death in Japan" [4] that was supposedly the testament of Jesus. These documents were seized by the Japanese authorities and taken to Tokyo shortly before World War II and have not been seen since.[5]

[edit] References

  1. ^ Japan Travel: Jesus in Japan. Metropolis. Retrieved on December 13, 2006.
  2. ^ The Japanese Jesus Trail. BBC (September 9, 2006). Retrieved on December 13, 2006.
  3. ^ Land of the Rising Son. Fortean Times (May, 1998). Retrieved on December 13, 2006.
  4. ^ The Japanese Jesus Trail. BBC (September 9, 2006). Retrieved on December 13, 2006.
  5. ^ Land of the Rising Son. Fortean Times (May, 1998). Retrieved on December 13, 2006.


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