Twenty-Six Martyrs Museum and Monument

The 26 Martyrs Museum in Nagasaki, Japan commemorates one of the most significant events in the history of Christianity in Asia. On February 5, 1597, twenty-six Christians were crucified on Nishizaka Hill under orders from military ruler Toyotomi Hideyoshi during Japan's period of Christian persecution. The martyrs included twenty Japanese converts, four Spanish missionaries, one Mexican friar, and one Portuguese lay brother, ranging from young boys to elderly priests. This event marked the beginning of systematic religious persecution in Japan that would continue for over two centuries.

The museum stands adjacent to the Nishizaka Martyrs Memorial, featuring a striking bronze monument created by sculptor Yasutake Funakoshi that depicts all twenty-six martyrs in relief. The site holds profound significance for Japanese Catholics and Christian pilgrims worldwide, as it represents both the suffering endured during the persecution era and the resilience of faith. In 1862, Pope Pius IX canonized all twenty-six individuals, making them the first saints from Japan. The youngest martyr, twelve-year-old Luis Ibaraki, and thirteen-year-old Antonio, remain powerful symbols of unwavering faith.

Inside the museum, visitors encounter historical artifacts, documents, and exhibits detailing the arrival of Christianity in Japan through Portuguese and Spanish missionaries in the 16th century, the subsequent ban, and the discovery of hidden Christians in 1865 after more than 200 years of underground practice. Display cases contain period religious objects, artwork depicting the martyrdom, and educational materials explaining the broader context of Christian persecution in feudal Japan. The museum provides English-language information and guided audio tours to international visitors.

The museum is located approximately 1.5 kilometers from Nagasaki Station, accessible via a fifteen-minute walk or a short tram ride to Oura Tenshudo-shita stop. City buses also serve the area frequently. Admission costs 500 yen for adults and 300 yen for students, with combination tickets available for nearby Christian heritage sites including Oura Cathedral.