Bernardo the Japanese

Statue of Francisco Xavier, Yajiro, and Bernardo in Xavier Park, Kagoshima.

was an early Japanese Christian convert of the 16th century, born in Kagoshima, and the first Japanese person to set foot in Europe. Bernardo was baptized in 1549. Bernardo, with Brother Andreas Fernandes, then left for Portugal, where he arrived in 1553, with a letter written by Francis Xavier in Goa, dated April 8, 1552. The objective was for Bernardo "to see the Christian religion in all its majesty", so that he could share his experience back in Japan. In his letter, Xavier also commented that "Japanese intellect [was] as sharp and sensible as any in the world".

Bernardo is thought to have been the first Japanese person to set foot on European soil. In Portugal, Bernardo applied to and entered the Society of Jesus. He also studied at the College of Coimbra.

After two years, Bernardo left to visit Rome on July 17, 1554, going through Spain to Barcelona, to take a ship to Naples. He was present in Rome during a period of 10 months. He met with Loyola and probably attended the election of Pope Marcellus II. Bernardo was highly valued, and gave great hope to the Papacy about the prospects of Catholicism in Japan.

Bernardo left Rome on October 23, 1555, and took a ship in Genoa. Bernardo died, however, upon his return to Portugal in February 1557.