Japan Twenty-Six Saints Memorial Hall

Overview

The Japan Twenty-Six Saints Memorial Hall, located in Nishizakacho, Nagasaki City, is a museum commemorating the 26 Christians martyred in Nagasaki in 1597. This site is historically significant as the location of the first execution of Christians in Japan under Toyotomi Hideyoshi's anti-Christian edict, and is now a globally recognized official Catholic pilgrimage site. The museum building, designed by architect Kenji Imai, features a monument incorporating life-size bronze statues of the Twenty-Six Saints, sculpted by Yasutaka Funakoshi. Inside, the museum presents the history of Christianity in Japan from the arrival of St. Francis Xavier to the Meiji era, exploring the Kirishitan (Japanese Christian) culture born from the encounter between Japan and Southern Europe, and conveying the messages of the martyrs, including the Twenty-Six Saints. Precious exhibits include a complete set of St. Francis Xavier's letters, a 16th-century Pietà similar to a *fumie* (a picture of Christ or Mary used to test the faith of Christians during persecution), the painting "Santa Maria in the Snow" linked to the Hidden Christians, and stained glass windows. The museum also boasts a library of approximately 3,000 specialized books. The second floor houses the "Room of Glory," a special exhibition room designed by architect Imai, showcasing valuable materials that tell the story of history, faith, and the strength and vulnerability of human nature. Pope Francis visited in 2019, and a "Monument Commemorating the Papal Visit" was erected in 2021. The Japan Twenty-Six Saints Memorial Hall offers a profound experience, allowing visitors to deeply connect with the weight of history, culture, and faith. We highly encourage you to visit.