In the spring of 1876, when Captain Janes, through an American newspaper, heard of Dr. Neeshima and his Christian school, he at once communicated with him, and told him all about the “Kumamoto Band.” It came as a great surprise to Dr. Neeshima and his colleagues. I was told by one of the missionary teachers who was with Dr. Neeshima at the time that it seemed to them as though the forty boys fell down straight from heaven. They had never dreamed such a wonderful thing was going on in such an obscure part of the country. On our side it was a great joy and comfort in the midst of persecution to hear of such a Christian man and school existing in our own country. By the fall of that year almost all of the “Kumamoto Band,” having been driven out of their homes and their native province, came to this school of Dr. Neeshima, and joined him in his great work. Thus was started the first Christian college, “The Doshisha University,” which was destined to become a center of Christian education and Christian influence in Japan, and from which came the new impulse for Christian work in that country, and Dr. Neeshima became its first president. Of the “Kumamoto Band,” about fifteen boys who had already finished their preparatory education in Captain Janes’ school, entered the theological class, the first in Doshisha University. For three years they received theological training and preparation for the Christian ministry. After graduating in 1879, most of these boys went out as home missionaries, preaching the Gospel of Christ all over Japan, and founding Congregational churches in many parts of the country. In Japan the Presbyterian churches now have the largest number of believers. Then come the Congregational churches, and after that those of other denominations. But though the Congregational churches come second in membership they have the largest number and the strongest churches. This is due mostly to the work of the “Kumamoto Band.” From it came forth the most influential and foremost preachers and pastors of the Congregational churches in Japan. One of this band, a graduate of 1879, has been now over forty years a pastor of a large Congregational church. He is called the Bishop of Southern Japan, without appointment. Another of this band is one of the greatest Christian scholars in Japan, and is now the President of the National Sunday-School Association. The present President of the Doshisha University is also a member of this band. After Dr. Neeshima, the first President, died, in 1890, four of the presidents of that university came from this band. Not only in the religious and educational work, but also in Government service, in the House of Parliament, as well as in the business world, some of the members of this band were able to hold quite important positions.