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Atomic Bomb Museum

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

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Endo Shusaku Literary Museum

 

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” by Shusaku Endo

“Silence” is a 1966 novel of theological fiction by author Shusaku Endo,
published in English by Peter Owen Publishers. It is the story of a Jesuit
missionary sent to 17th-century Japan, who endures persecution in the time
of Hidden Christians that followed the defeat of the Shimabara Rebellion.
 
The recipient of the 1966 Tanizaki Prize, it has been called “Endo’s supreme
achievement” and “one of the twentieth century’s finest novels.” Written
partly in the form of a letter by its central character, the theme of a silent
God who accompanies a believer in adversity was greatly influenced by
the Catholic Endo’s experience of religious discrimination in Japan, racism
in France, and a debilitating bout with tuberculosis.

 

 


 

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Dejima

 

Dejima was a fan-shaped artificial island in Nagasaki Bay that

was used as a trading port during Japan’s period of national

isolation in the Edo period. In 1636, Dejima was constructed to

confine the Portuguese living in Nagasaki and to prevent the

spread of Christianity. In 1639, trade with Portugal was banned,

leaving Dejima temporarily uninhabited. In 1641, the Dutch trading

post in Hirado was moved to Dejima, marking the beginning of trade

with the Dutch as Japan’s sole gateway to Europe. Until 1853,

numerous European technologies and cultures were introduced

here through the Dutch.

 

Entrance of Dejima

Fan-shaped artificial island,

was built in 1636

Dejima used from 1641 until

1853


 

A project to restore Dejima is underway.  In 2000, five buildings

including the Deputy Factor’s Quarters were completed and 

opened to the public. 

 

Dejima International Club

 

Building of residence,

cooking room, warehouse 

The old Dejima seminary,

a Christian theological school


 

In the spring of 2006, the restoration was finalized for several key

structures, including the Chief Factor’s Residence, the Japanese

Officials’ Office, the Head Clerk’s Quarters, No. 3 Warehouse,

and the Sea Gate.

 


 


 


 

 


 

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Saint Kolbe Memorial Museum, at Hongouchi Church

 

Father Maximilian Kolbe was born in Poland in 1894 and was a priest of the
Conventual Franciscans. He was active in promoting the veneration of the
Immaculate Virgin Mary.
 
He arrived in Japan in 1930, where he began educating seminarians and
publishing a monthly magazine titled “The Knight of the Immaculata.
 
” Following this, as more Japanese people came to understand God’s
teachings, Hongochi Church was established in 1931.

 

After six years in Japan, he returned to Poland due to poor health. Later,
during World War II, he volunteered to die in place of a stranger named
Franciszek Gajowniczek at the Auschwitz concentration camp in
German-occupied Poland.
 
The Saint Kolbe Memorial Museum was built in 1986 to commemorate
his canonization.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 

 

 

 


 

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Martyrdom of the 26 Saints of Japan

 

Nishizaka Hill in Nagasaki is the site where 26 Catholics, including Paulo Miki,

were crucified on February 5, 1597. Arrested in Kyoto and Osaka by order of

Toyotomi Hideyoshi, they were forced to march 800 km in the snow to their

execution

 

From the cross, Paul Miki declared:
“All of you who are here, please listen to me. I am Japanese by birth and
a brother of the Society of Jesus. I have committed no crime; the only reason
I am being put to death is that I have taught the doctrine of our Lord Jesus
Christ. I am deeply happy to die for this cause, and I see my death as a great
blessing from the Lord. At this critical moment, when you can be assured
that I will not try to deceive you, I want to emphasize and make it unmistakably
clear that man can find no way to salvation other than the Christian way.
Since the Christian law commands us to forgive our enemies and those who
have wronged us, I declare here that I forgive Taikosama (Hideyoshi)

 

Then, they all ascended to heaven with the happiness of giving their lives

to Christ.

 

Nishizaka hill, the site of

Martyrdom in 1597

The martyrs said that 

” All people, bless God ! ”  

The 26 Japanese martyrs have 

been canonized in 1862


 
The 26 Japanese Martyrs were canonized by Pope Pius IX in 1862. In 1950,
Pope Pius XII designated the site of their martyrdom on Nishizaka Hill as an
official pilgrimage site for Catholics. The location was later recognized as a
Historic Site by Nagasaki Prefecture in 1956, and the monument dedicated
to them was erected on June 10, 1962.
 

 
The Twenty-Six Martyrs Museum
Located right behind the monument, the museum is devoted to the memory of
the martyrs and the history of Christianity in Japan. Its interior, reminiscent of
a church with beautiful stained-glass windows, creates a serene atmosphere
for viewing the exhibits. On display are various artifacts related to early
Japanese Christianity, including historical documents, statues, and religious
items.

 


 


 

 


 

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Oura Cathedral

 

The cathedral is one of the most significant Christian pilgrimage sites in Japan.

Established in 1865, this church is officially known as “Oura Cathedral, the

Church of the 26 Martyrs.” It was built by Father Bernard Petitjean, a French

priest from Fier, who had been dispatched by the Paris Foreign Missions Society

to offer prayers for the 26 saints martyred on Nishizaka Hill. For this reason,

the cathedral directly faces Nishizaka Hill. It was designated as a National

Treasure in 1933 in recognition of its historical value as Japan’s oldest

Gothic-style cathedral.

 

On March 17, 1865, a group of peasants from Urakami visited the church and

professed their secret faith to Father Petitjean, revealing that Christianity had

survived through centuries of intense persecution. The white marble statue of

the Holy Mother at the entrance was erected to commemorate this dramatic

discovery of the “Hidden Christians.

 

The cathedral also welcomed Pope John Paul II in 1981, followed by Mother
Teresa (Saint Teresa of Calcutta) in 1982.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 


 

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The 26 Martyrs Museum

 

The 26 Martyrs Museum is dedicated to the 26 Christians who were executed
here on February 5, 1597. The group included both foreign missionaries and
Japanese laymen. Missionary activities were prohibited at the time, and
Japan’s ruler, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, ordered the execution as a warning to
others. The monument is located in a small park on a hill just a short distance
from Nagasaki Station, offering lovely views over the city.
A straight red line runs from the monument across the park’s plaza, pointing
directly toward Oura Cathedral on the other side of the city. Notably,
Oura Cathedral is also dedicated to the 26 martyrs.

 


 

The museum behind the monument is devoted to the memory of the martyrs and

the history of Christianity in Japan. Its interior is reminiscent of a church, complete

with beautiful stained-glass windows that create a serene atmosphere for viewing

the exhibits. On display are various artifacts related to early Japanese Christianity,

including historical documents, statues, and religious items.

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

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Urakami Cathedral

 

Construction of the original Urakami Cathedral, a brick Romanesque

building, began in 1895 after the long-standing ban on Christianity was

lifted.

When completed in 1914, it was the largest Catholic church in East Asia.

 


 

The atomic bomb that detonated on August 9, 1945, exploded in Urakami,

just 500 meters from the cathedral, completely destroying it. The remains

of the original cathedral are now on display at the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb

Museum.

A replacement church was built in 1959 and was remodeled in

1980 to more closely resemble the original brick building.

 


 

The nearby the Ground Zero in Peace Park contains remnants of the

Ruins of Urakami Cathedral.

 

 
 
 
 
 

 

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China town

 

Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown is one of the three major Chinatowns

in Japan. It features about 50 Chinese restaurants and numerous

souvenir and sundry shops.

 


 


 


 

Nagasaki Lantern Festival 

 

This annual festival in Nagasaki is held to celebrate the Chinese

New Year. It originally started as a New Year celebration among

the Chinese residents living in Nagasaki, before expanding into

a major city-wide festival in 1994. During the festival, more than

10,000 lanterns beautifully decorate Chinatown and the

surrounding areas.

 

 

Megane-bashi bridge

 

Built over the Nakashima River in 1634, Meganebashi (Spectacles

Bridge) is the oldest stone arch bridge in Japan. It was

constructed by the Chinese monk Mokusunyoujo, a second

generation monk at Kofukuji Temple. Recognized for its historical

and architectural significance, this iconic bridge has been

designated as an Important Cultural Property.

 


 

Meganebashi is also part of the first group of bridges built over

the Nakashima River. This stone, double-arch bridge received

the nickname ‘Spectacles Bridge’ because its two arches and

their reflection in the water perfectly create the image of a pair

of spectacles.

 

 

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