Dr. Nagai Takashi (3 February 1908 – 1 May 1951) was a Catholic physician specializing in radiology, an author, and a survivor of the atomic bombing of Nagasaki. His subsequent life of prayer and service earned him the affectionate title “saint of Urakami”.     Nyokodo, which is adjacent to the Takashi Nagai Memorial Hall, is Dr. Takashi Nagai’s hospital room and study. This 2-tatami building was built as a new home for the doctor, with the generosity of the people of Urakami and fellow Catholics who were left penniless by the atomic bombing. The doctor named this building “Nyokodo,” meaning “Love your neighbor as yourself,” and spent his later years here. Dr. Nagai fought the onslaught of leukemia and worked hard to write even though he was bedridden. From this room of just two tatami mats, the doctor continued to harass the people of Urakami, writing novels such as “The Chains of the Rosary, ” “Leaving the Child,” “The River of Life,” and “The Bells of Nagasaki.   Massage for World Peace from Dr. Nagai The person who pray for peace must not hide even needles, for a person who possesses is not qualified to pray peace.                             Design Your Kyushu Trip We arrange custom Nagasaki & Kyushu Christian Pilgrimage Tours. Connect below via …

Nyokodo, Dr. Nagai Takashi…の続きを読む

  Designed by Kenjiro Imai, this church features Gaudi-style twin towers and was built next to the Nishizaka Martyrdom site.   When plans were made to build a memorial hall for the 26 Japanese Saints next to the Nishizaka Martyrdom site, a generous donation was received from Mexico, leading to the church’s construction in 1962.   This church is dedicated to Felipe de Jesús, the first Mexican saint and one of the 26 Martyrs of Japan. He was a Franciscan Catholic missionary who sacrificed his life here.                                                                       Design Your Kyushu Trip We arrange custom Nagasaki & Kyushu Christian Pilgrimage Tours. Connect below via your preferred method:

Saint Filippo de Jesus Church ( Japan 26…の続きを読む

  Nakamachi Church is located near JR Nagasaki Station. In 1988, the church was dedicated to the 16 Martyrs of Nagasaki (St. Thomas Nishi and his 15 companions), who were martyred in Nagasaki between 1633 and 1637. To honor them, a monument was erected on the church grounds.     Following the 26 Saints of Japan, these 16 martyrs were canonized as saints in 1987.   Domingo Ibáñez de Erquicia, Dominican Priest (Spanish, 1633) Antonio Gonzalez, Dominican Priest (Spanish, 1637) Jordan Ansalone, Dominican Priest (Italian, 1634) Luke of the Holy Spirit, Dominican Priest (Spanish, 1633) Michael de Aozaraza, Dominican Priest (Spanish, 1637) Guillaume Courtet, Dominican Priest (French, 1637) Jacobo Kyushei Tomonaga, Dominican Priest (Japanese, 1633) Thomas Rokuzayemon Nishi, Dominican Priest (Japanese, 1634) Vincent Shiwozuka, Dominican Priest (Japanese, 1637) Francis Shōyemon, Dominican Lay Brother (Japanese, 1633) Matthew Kohioye, Dominican Novice (Japanese, 1633) Lorenzo Ruiz, Layman (Filipino, 1637) — The first Filipino saint Marina of Omura, Dominican Tertiary (Japanese, 1634) Magdalene of Nagasaki, Dominican Tertiary (Japanese, 1634) Michael Kurobioye, Layman (Japanese, 1633) Lazarus of Kyoto, Layman (Japanese, 1637)                                   Design Your Kyushu Trip We arrange custom Nagasaki & Kyushu Christian Pilgrimage Tours. Connect below via your preferred method:

Nakamachi Church…の続きを読む

  Driven by his desire to save the people of Sotome from poverty, Father de Rotz established the Former Shitsu Aid Center, making it indispensable   when discussing the history and culture of the region. In 1879, Father Marc Marie de Rotz, a French missionary who was assigned to Sotome, introduced a variety of farming, fishing, medical, and educational programs to rescue local residents from their plight.   Founded in 1883, the Former Shitsu Aid Center was a welfare and vocational training facility for women. It was established with the cooperation of members of the Society of St. Joseph, which was formed and trained by Father de Rotz himself. In December 2003, these facilities were designated as Nationally Important Cultural Properties, recognized as valuable surviving structures of early Meiji-period childbirth and social welfare.                                                         Design Your Kyushu Trip We arrange custom Nagasaki & Kyushu Christian Pilgrimage Tours. Connect below via your preferred method:

Former Shitsu Aid Center…の続きを読む

              Built in 1882 by Father de Rotz, this low-ceilinged church features a brick exterior, a wooden interior, and a stone entranceway. The roof itself is built low to withstand damage from strong winds.   The church’s bell was brought directly from France by the father himself and rings out beautifully every morning. This stunning location is also famous as a filming site for the Japanese movie “Gege”.                                                                             Design Your Kyushu Trip We arrange custom Nagasaki & Kyushu Christian Pilgrimage Tours. Connect below via your preferred method:

Shitsu Church…の続きを読む

  The Church is located in Kurosaki district, where was place of the setting for Endo Shusaku’s novel Silence.  In 1897, the foundations were laid down according to Father de Rotz’s design. Construction followed and in 1920 the church was completed.     The followers built it brick by brick with their own hands. The modest design serves to bring out the beauty of the bricks.  Experience the depth when you come inside and see the rib vault ceiling. The church’s stained glass also leaves a lasting impression.                                                               Design Your Kyushu Trip We arrange custom Nagasaki & Kyushu Christian Pilgrimage Tours. Connect below via your preferred method:

Kurosaki Church…の続きを読む

  Sotome is a peaceful area in Nagasaki City, renowned as the setting for Shusaku Endo’s acclaimed novel “Silence.” The region is blessed with abundant natural beauty encompassing the sea, mountains, and rivers, alongside a unique Christian history and culture. In particular, the area where the Shusaku Endo Literary Museum stands is widely known as the model for the hidden Christian village depicted in “Silence,” one of Endo’s most notable masterpieces.     The literary museum offers a magnificent, panoramic view. One can witness the sun as it majestically sets over the Sea of Goto, along with the “Silence” Literary Monument in Shitsu Culture Village.   Shusaku Endo and the Sotome area are deeply linked through “Silence. ” This profound bond, forged while Endo was writing the novel, continues to this day and is beautifully preserved through the establishment of this literary museum.     Following Shusaku Endo’s death, this Literary Museum was established thanks to the generosity of his family. It is filled with Endo’s personal belongings, mementoes, manuscripts, and his extensive collection of books. The museum’s exhibits trace the footsteps of Shusaku Endo as one of Japan’s greatest literary figures. In addition, the facility collects, preserves, and exhibits research materials for public perusal, operating as an information center for his life and works.     Note : “Silence” …

Endo Shusaku Literary Museum…の続きを読む

                   Hidden Christian site is registered on UNESCO’s World Heritage. Japanese Christianity has a unique history of continuing faith while coexisting with Japanese traditional religion Shinto and General society. Japan’s unique practice of the Christian faith continued even during the ban on Christianity. Hidden Christian Site in Nagasaki,  Shimabara , Hirado and Amakusa Regions bear unique testimony to the tradition of people and their communities who secretly transmitted their faith in Christianity while surviving in the midst of the conventional society and its religions during the time of prohibition.     Nagasaki  & Sotome   Oura Cathedral  / UNESCO World Heritage Basilica of Martyrdom of the 26 Saints of Japan. Built in 1865 under the supervision of the French priest Bernard Petitjean. It was designated as a National Treasure in 1933 for its value as Japan’s oldest Gothic-style Cathedral.     Martyrdom of the 26 Saints of Japan      On February 5, 1597, Paulo Miki and 25 others were crucified for their belief in God on order of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. The martyrs including four Spaniards, one from Goa, India, one Mexican and  20 Japanese demonstrated their spiritual unity despite differences in races, ages and professions.      Sotome area Hidden Christian Site  / UNESCO World Heritage  Sotome is located between Nagasaki-city and Saikai-city, and face to East China Sea.  During the ban on Christianity …

Christian Pilgrimage sites in Nagasaki R…の続きを読む

  Sotome is located between Nagasaki City and Saikai City, and faces the East China Sea. During the ban on Christianity from the 17th century to the end of the 19th century, Sotome was home to communities of “Hidden Christians. ” Many emigrated there from other parts of Nagasaki, as the remote region allowed them to practice their religion in secret.   French missionary Father Marc Marie de Rotz played a large role in reestablishing the religion in the area. He established Shitsu Church on a hill overlooking the sea.     Shitsu Church On an elevation commanding a view over the Sea of Goto, Father Marc Marie de Rotz established the church at his own expense in 1882. The building was extended and renovated over the years. A statue of Mary that he ordered from France stands in the bell tower.     Former Shitsu Aid Center         Driven by his desire to save the people of Sotome from poverty, Father de Rotz established the Former Shitsu Aid Center. Today, this center is indispensable when discussing the history and culture of the region.     Endo Shusaku Literary Museum          As the setting for Shusaku Endo’s acclaimed novel “Silence,” Sotome is blessed with a unique Christian history and culture. In particular, the area where the Shusaku Endo Literary Museum stands is …

Sotome Pilgrimage sites…の続きを読む

  The Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum opened in April 1996 as part of a project commemorating the 50th anniversary of the atomic bombing. The museum replaced the Nagasaki International Cultural Hall, which had previously exhibited a vast collection of artifacts related to the bombing.   The museum exhibits numerous photographs and artifacts that depict the devastation caused by the atomic bomb. Its displays also cover the history leading up to that tragic day, the development of nuclear weapons, and our enduring desire for peace.                           Design Your Kyushu Trip We arrange tailor-made Kyushu private tours. Connect below via your preferred method:

Atomic Bomb Museum…の続きを読む