This photo was taken at the **Monument to the 26 Martyrs of Japan**, located on Nishizaka Hill in Nagasaki, Japan, on Sunday 01 February 2026
The large bronze frieze you see depicts the 26 saints—6 European Franciscan missionaries and 20 Japanese lay Catholics (including three young boys)—who were crucified on this very hill in 1597 under the orders of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. This event marked the beginning of a long and brutal persecution of Christians in Japan.
The location is now a national sanctuary. The building behind the monument is the 26 Martyrs Museum, which details the history of Christianity in the region. The event in your photo appears to be an outdoor Catholic Mass or a special commemorative service honoring these martyrs. The red vestments worn by the priests are liturgically significant, symbolizing the blood shed by martyrs for their faith.
Translation of the Japanese Banner announces the theme and organizers of the event.
* Japanese: 信仰の強さ示した殉教者
* Romaji: Shinkō no tsuyosa shimeshita junkyōsha
* English Translation: "The Martyrs Who Showed the Strength of Faith"
Small Text (below):
* Japanese: 主催／カトリック長崎大司教区 運営／長崎南地区評議会
* Romaji: Shusai / Katorikku Nagasaki Daishikyōku Unei / Nagasaki Minami Chiku Hyōgikai
* English Translation:
Sponsor: Catholic Archdiocese of Nagasaki. Management: Nagasaki South District Council.
photos: Nagasaki
