Kumamoto Band

The Kumamoto Band was a group of Christian men educated at the Kumamoto Yogakko by Leroy Lansing Janes.

Janes was recommended for the position by Guido Verbeck.

[2] Many of the students came from former samurai families, and had entered the school in an attempt to regain their former status that was lost with the abolition of the feudal system in 1868.

[3] After the students became proficient in English, Janes began teaching them about Christianity in 1874.

[3] In January 1876 the students climbed to the top of Mount Hanaoka and signed the Hanaoka Pledge, a confirmation of their faith.