The peaceful Sotome, the setting of Endo Shusaku’s novel Silence. Sotome area of Nagasaki city has an abundance of natural beauty in its sea, mountains and rivers. It also is blessed with a unique history and culture of Christianity. In particular, the area in which the Endo Shusaku Literary Museum stands is known as the site of a Christian village, one of Endo’s most notable work, Silence. From the literary museum, there is a magnificent view. In a sweep of eye one can see sun as it majestically sets over the sea of Goto, along with the Silence Literary Monument in Shitsu Bunka Mura. Endo Shusaku and the Sotome area are linked through Silence ; this bond has been built up starting from when Endo was writing the novel, and continues into the present day with the construction of literary museum. Following Endo Shusaku’s death, this Literary Museum was established thanks to kindness of his family, and was filled with Endo’s persona belongings, mementoes, manuscripts, and his extensive collection of books.  The Museum exhibits trace the footsteps of Endo Shusaku as one of Japan’s greatest writers of literature. In addition, it has facilities for collecting, preserving, and exhibiting materials related to Endo’s public perusal and research, and operating as an information center.   Note : Silence Silence is a 1966 novel of theological fiction by author Endo Shusaku, …

Endo Shusaku Literary Museum, in Sotome,…の続きを読む

  The 26 Martyrs Museum is dedicated to the 26 Christians who were executed here on February 5, 1597. They included both foreign missionaries and Japanese laymen. Missionary activities were prohibited at the time, and Japan’s ruler Toyotomi Hideyoshi staged the execution as a warning. The monument is located in a small park on a hill not far from Nagasaki Station and offers nice views over the city.    A straight red line runs from the Monument across the park’s plaza in the direction of the Oura Cathedral on the opposite side of the city. Oura Cathedral is also dedicated to the 26 martyrs. The museum behind the monument is devoted to the memory of the martyrs and to Christianity in Japan in general. Its interior is reminiscent of a church with stained-glass windows, making for atmospheric viewing of the exhibits. On display are artifacts related to Christianity in Japan, including old documents, statues and jewelry.

The 26 Martyrs Museum, in Nagasaki…の続きを読む