Bernardo the Japanese (Japanese: 鹿児島のベルナルド, died February 1557) was an early Japanese Christian convert of the 16th century, born in Kagoshima, and the first Japanese to set foot in Europe.[1] Bernardo was one of the first converts of Saint Francis Xavier, and one of his two disciples.[1][2] Bernardo was baptized in 1549.[2] He followed Xavier in Japan and India.[2]
Bernardo left for India with Xavier in 1551, together with another Japanese, Mathias, born in Yamaguchi. They arrived in India in February 1552.[1] Mathias died in Goa however.[3] Bernardo then left for Portugal with Brother Andreas Fernandes,[1] where he arrived in 1553, with a letter written by Francis Xavier in Goa, dated 8 April 1552.[2] The objective was for Bernardo "to see the Christian religion in all its majesty", so that he could share his experience back in Japan.[1] In his letter, Xavier also commented that "Japanese intellect [was] as sharp and sensible as any in the world".[1]
Bernardo is thought to have been the first Japanese to set foot on European soil.[1] In Portugal, Bernardo applied to and entered the Society of Jesus.[2][3] He also studied at the College of Coimbra.[3]
After two years, Bernardo left to visit Rome on 17 July 1554, going through Spain to Barcelona, to take a ship to Naples.[1] He was present in Rome during a period of 10 months. He met with Loyola and probably attended the election of Pope Marcellus II.[1] Bernardo was highly valued, and gave great hope to the Papacy about the prospects of Catholicism in Japan.[1]
Bernardo left Rome on 23 October 1555, and took a ship in Genoa.[1] Bernardo died however upon his return to Portugal in February 1557.[2][3]