The 26 Martyrs of Japan (日本二十六聖人記念館): A Testament to Faith and Forgiveness

Pope Francis visiting the Nishizaka Martyrs’ Site on November 24, 2019

High atop Nishizaka Hill in Nagasaki, the Museum of the 26 Martyrs of Japan stands as a beacon of hope, faith, and resilience. This sacred site commemorates the 26 Christian martyrs executed in 1597 under Toyotomi Hideyoshi's edict banning Christianity. As the first official persecution of Christians in Japan, their sacrifice became a powerful symbol of unwavering faith, forgiveness, and the enduring strength of the human spirit.

The Monument and Museum of the 26 Martyrs of Japan

A Journey of Suffering and Faith

The bronze statues of the 26 Martyrs, designed by architect Kenji Imai.

The story of the 26 martyrs is one of profound devotion and courage. This group—comprising six Franciscan missionaries and 20 Japanese Christians, including three young boys—was paraded over 1,000 kilometers from Kyoto to Nagasaki during the bitter winter of 1597. Publicly humiliated and enduring unimaginable hardship, they chose Nishizaka Hill as their final resting place, comparing it to Golgotha, the hill where Christ was crucified.

Among the martyrs, Saint Paul Miki, a Jesuit seminarian and eloquent preacher, left a message that continues to resonate across centuries. Speaking from the cross moments before his death, he said:

"I am being killed because I am a Christian. Christ has taught us to forgive those who harm us. Thus, I forgive Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who has ordered my death. I also forgive those who are about to kill me."

At just 33 years old—the same age as Christ at his crucifixion—Paul Miki embodied the ultimate act of forgiveness and love. His final words, spoken in the face of death, serve as a universal message:

"I want not revenge, but forgiveness."

This call for reconciliation and peace remains profoundly relevant, reminding us of the enduring power of compassion and understanding in a divided world.

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Inside the Museum: A Glimpse Into History

The Museum of the 26 Martyrs of Japan is a treasure trove of artifacts and stories that illuminate Japan's complex history of faith and cultural exchange. The exhibits trace the journey of Christianity in Japan from the arrival of St. Francis Xavier in 1549 to the era of hidden Christians and beyond.

Key exhibits include:

• A 16th-century Pietà, identical to the fumi-e (stepping boards used to expose Christians during persecution).

• The Complete Works of St. Francis Xavier, a testament to the missionary’s legacy.

• Detailed models of the Spanish galleon San Felipe and Portuguese nau ships, offering insight into the maritime connections of the era.

• Hidden Christian art, such as the hauntingly beautiful “Snow Madonna”, which symbolized faith practiced in secret.

The Copperplate Pietà Unearthed in Nagasaki City.jpeg

The Snow Madonna A Hidden Christian Masterpiece.jpeg

The Complete Letters of St. Francis Xavier.jpeg

The Rare 'Nanban Umbrella'_A Unique Artifact Exclusive to the Museum of the 26 Martyrs.jpeg

The museum also houses over 3,000 specialized books and the “Hall of Glory,” a space designed by renowned architect Kenji Imai. This room, filled with light and tranquility, reflects the spiritual strength of the martyrs.

Monument to the 26 Saints

The Monument: A Cross of Faith and Sacrifice

The Monument of the 26 Martyrs, towering over Nishizaka Hill, is a powerful tribute to those who gave their lives for their faith. This stunning structure, crafted by renowned sculptor Yasutake Funakoshi, features bronze reliefs of the martyrs in prayer embedded within a granite cross. Measuring 5.6 meters high and 17 meters wide, the monument was unveiled during the centennial celebration of the martyrs' canonization in 1962.

Father Pedro Arrupe, then Superior General of the Jesuits, connected the martyrs’ message to global peace during the dedication, stating:

"This monument, though made of stone and bronze, emanates a living spirit of love. It is a testament to the power of love and a call for eternal peace in a world scarred by hatred and conflict."

This iconic memorial was designed not only to honor the martyrs’ sacrifice but also to inspire unity and understanding among people of all nations.

The Memorial Chapel: A Sacred Space of Reflection

The Memorial Chapel, known as the Church of Saint Philip of Jesus, stands nearby with its distinctive twin spires and mosaics. Designed by architect Kenji Imai, the chapel incorporates elements of Antoni Gaudí’s style, reflecting the connection between Spain and the martyrs’ faith.

The twin spires are particularly symbolic: one represents the Virgin Mary, with its blue tones and “Sanctus” inscription, while the other embodies the Holy Spirit, adorned with red mosaic flames and the words “Veni Sancte Spiritus.”

Inside the chapel, visitors will find a breathtaking altar featuring 26 bronze crosses, each representing one of the martyrs. Surrounding the central Alpha and Omega symbols, these crosses signify their unwavering faith in the eternal God.

The chapel also safeguards the relics of three Jesuit martyrs, Saint Paul Miki, Saint James Kisai, and Saint John Goto. These relics, preserved for over three centuries in the Philippines, were returned to Japan upon the chapel’s completion, providing a profound connection to the martyrs’ legacy.

Visiting Information

• Location: Nishizaka Park, 7-8 Nishizaka-machi, Nagasaki City, Japan

• Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

• Admission: Adults ¥500 / Students ¥300 / Children ¥150

• Access: A 5-minute walk from Nagasaki Station or a short tram ride to Nishizaka Park.

• Parking: Free parking for up to 10 vehicles is available at Nishizaka Park, including one space for individuals with disabilities.

Important Notes for Visitors:
The museum and chapel do not have elevators. Visitors with mobility challenges or elderly individuals are encouraged to plan accordingly, as access between floors is via stairs. Nishizaka Hill itself is wheelchair-accessible, but assistance may be needed for some areas.

A Universal Message

The Museum of the 26 Martyrs and its adjoining landmarks serve as a profound call to honor the sacrifices of the past while advocating for forgiveness, unity, and peace in the present. Whether you are a pilgrim, a history enthusiast, or a curious traveler, Nishizaka Hill invites you to reflect on the strength of the human spirit and the enduring impact of compassion.