The 26 Martyrs Monument (日本二十六聖人記念碑), also known as the Monument of the 26 Martyrs of Japan, is a memorial located in Nagasaki, Japan, that commemorates a group of Christian martyrs who were executed in the city in 1597. The monument is part of the Twenty-Six Martyrs Museum and Monument (日本二十六聖人記念館), which is dedicated to the memory of these martyrs.
The 26 martyrs were a group of Japanese and European Christians who were accused of spreading Christianity in Japan during the Edo period, when the Tokugawa shogunate had outlawed the religion. The shogunate viewed Christianity as a threat to its authority and persecuted many Christians in Japan.
The martyrs were sentenced to death by crucifixion, a common punishment in Japan at the time. They were taken to Nishizaka Hill outside Nagasaki, where they were crucified and left to die. The 26 Martyrs Monument was built in their honor and was officially opened in 1962 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of their canonization.
The monument is located on the site of the martyrdom, which is now a peaceful park. The monument features 26 bronze statues of the martyrs, including Japanese and European priests and laypeople, arranged in the shape of a cross.
The 26 Martyrs Museum and Monument is a powerful reminder of the persecution faced by Christians in Japan during the Edo period. It is also a symbol of the resilience of the Christian community in Japan and a testament to the power of faith in times of hardship. The monument is a popular destination for visitors to Nagasaki and is a must-see attraction for anyone interested in Japanese history and culture. Nishizaka Hill, the site of the martyrdom, is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Hidden Christian Sites in the Nagasaki Region.”
Getting there
By Foot
- 5-6 minute walk from JR Nagasaki Station
- The monument is located on Nishizaka Hill, a short uphill walk from the station
By Tram
- Take tram lines 1, 2, or 3 to Nagasaki Station or Yachiyomachi Station
- From either stop, it’s a 5 minute walk to the monument
Details
| Hours | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Admission | Adults: 500 yen Junior high school and high school students: 300 yen Elementary school students: 150 yen |
| Phone | +81 95-822-6000 |
| Address | 7-8 Nishizakamachi, Nagasaki, 850-0051 |
| Official Website | https://japan26martyrs.studio.site/ |