Takayama Ukon - Christian samurai

Takayama Ukon (高山右近) or Dom Justo Takayama (1552 - February 5, 1615) was a Japanese Christian Daimyo (feudal lord) and samurai who was expelled from Japan on November 8, 1614. He and 300 other Japanese Christians left Japan peacefully and arrived in Manila on December 21st. Upon arrival, the colonial government of Spanish Philippines offered their help in overthrowing the Japanese. Ukon declined the offer and died just 40 days later. Ukon was given full military honors at his funeral as a Daimyo and is the first Daimyo to be burried on Philippine soil.

Ukon is currently being considered for sainthood in the Roman Catholic Church with approval of the beatification to go to the pope in December 2015.