The Japanese Christians forced to trample on Christ bbc.com

This practice of stepping on Christian images - known as fumie - was widespread in the city of Nagasaki in the 17th century.
Image copyright Getty Images Image caption A fumie with the face of Christ completely worn awayBut many eventually gave in and trampled on the fumie.
Image copyright Getty Images Image caption Christians were hung upside down in pits filled with excrementThe main aim of this torture was not so much to kill those who refused, but to "break their resolve".
Image copyright Getty Images Image caption Jesuit missionaries beheaded in 1622 NagasakiOthers pretended to renounce the faith but still continued being Christian in secret.
Image copyright Getty Images Image caption A statue of the Buddhist goddess Kanon, used as a symbol for MaryThey would also incorporate Japanese elements into their practice to evade being identified as Christians.