Christian Tombstones Japan, Edo period, 17th century *Discovered on the grounds of An'yo-in Temple, Kyoto *Discovered on the grounds of Seigan-ji Temple, Kyoto Gift of Teruhisa Fujii Kyoto National Museum These tombstones were made for Japanese Christians in the Keicho era (1596-1615). Most of these grave markers were destroyed in the Edo period (1616-1867), during the persecution of Christians by the Tokugawa government. Carved on the front of the stones are a cross, the letters IHS (representing the Latin for the followers of Christ), the Western year of death, and the baptismal name of the deceased.