The Harajo Virgin Mary: A Monumental Prayer for Peace

Overlooking the historic landscapes of Minamishimabara City in Nagasaki Prefecture, the Harajo St. Mary's Kannon Hall houses an extraordinary testament to dedication and peace—a 10-meter wooden statue of the Virgin Mary. This remarkable work, carved over four decades by sculptor Eiji Oyama, stands as a memorial to the Shimabara-Amakusa Rebellion and embodies humanity's enduring hope for peace.

A Vision Born of Compassion

During a visit to the Hara Castle ruins in his youth, Eiji Oyama was struck by the absence of a significant memorial to those who perished in the Shimabara-Amakusa Rebellion. This realization sparked a lifelong mission—to create a statue of the Virgin Mary that would transcend religious boundaries and honor these forgotten souls. Using his own resources and dedication, Oyama spent forty years transforming a massive camphor tree into this powerful symbol of remembrance and reconciliation.

A Masterwork of Dedication

Standing as one of the world's largest wooden representations of the Virgin Mary, the 10-meter statue commands quiet reverence from all who encounter it. Its striking presence and the devotion evident in every detail serve as a powerful reminder of both human suffering and the possibility of peace.

Nature's Sacred Gallery

The hall's hilltop location offers visitors a contemplative space with sweeping views of significant historical sites—the ruins of Hara Castle, Yushima Island, and the distant shores of Amakusa. This natural panorama creates an outdoor sanctuary where the region's complex history meets the eternal hope for peace.

A Universal Sanctuary

Today, the Harajo St. Mary's Kannon Hall welcomes visitors of all backgrounds to experience this unique confluence of art, history, and spirituality. The combination of Oyama's masterwork and the site's serene setting invites quiet reflection on the price of conflict and the precious value of peace—a message as relevant today as it was during the rebellion four centuries ago.