I've just returned from my weekend Kyushu Trip. I went to Nagasaki and Hakata. It was great trip. I felt the contrast between those two cities. Nagasaki is a small city which has a sad, warm mood. Hakata is the biggest city in Kyushu and is a very cheerful, powerful city.
I will talk about Nagasaki today. Nagasaki was opened as a trading port for the Portuguese in 1571. Western goods and also Christianity entered through the city.However, the Bakufu (the Japanese government in those days) grew fearful of the power of the Portuguese and of the effects of Christianity. The Christian religion was then banned from 1587, and the Portuguese people had to live in very very very small area called Dejima.(very interesting site). Because of the ban, many Christians died, The Martyr's Hill is well known as a memorial place for 26 executed Franciscans. Kakure Christian (= Hidden Christian) were people who hid their religion, but still kept their Christianity. Some made Maria statues which that looked like Kannon (god of Buddhism deity) or those type of hidden stuffs. In response the Bakufu tried to find those people and they used items such as the Christ's plate (left one ) and forced people to step on it.
In the middle of the 17 century, many Christians died because of the bad and many farmers also suffered with hunger and heavy taxes (tax = rice). Then the Shimabara Rebellion happened in 1637. The leader of Christian and farmer side was Shiro Amakusa. He was said to be a yound and very honsome leader, He is a sort of legendary hero who supported the weak against the strong. His story was made into entertainment novel which is well known as Makai Tenshor. It is very exotic and interesting story that you may see in movies. (there were two movies) and a PS2 Game. In Oura Tenshudo, you can see the hard Christian historical stuff.
Another sad history is the atomic bomb. Of course I went to see the bombed Madonna. I was also impressed to see Sanno Shrine's Torii (gate). Only half remained standing. Also the bombed Japanese cinnamon trees at Sanno Shrine. Those two trees were burned by Abomb, but they were still alive and made nuts a few months later. People were so encouraged to see those, because they then knew that the land was not dead.
Nagasaki is very small city, and I could actually walk to and around most of the historical and famous places. However each spot and each area has some sad history. But I could sense so that people's prayer was for peace.
Hi Sonia
I was impressed Fukuoka and nagasaki is so close each other. I prefer Fukuoka, Nagasaki is tour place for me.
Posted by: Mari | Sunday, September 25, 2005 at 03:14 PM
I live in Fukuoka-ken and my boyfriend lives in Sasebo so I often visit both places. I prefer Nagasaki prefecture, even though there's more to do in Fukuoka, but maybe that's because I associate it with weekends...
Posted by: Sonia | Wednesday, September 21, 2005 at 03:47 PM
Hi There
I got a flight to Nagasaki and went to Hakata by JR train KAMOME. It was great train. I was so impressed. Much better than Shinkansen. Since I love Imo Jyochu. I will go to Kagoshima next time.
Posted by: Mari | Wednesday, September 14, 2005 at 07:26 AM
Sooo what did you do in Hakata? Did you take JR down?
I remember the big plaza in front of JR Hakata Station, having coffee and listening to the hourly chimes in the morning.
That was before I left for Kagoshima on my last big Japan trip. Did you go?
Posted by: abraxis | Tuesday, September 13, 2005 at 03:41 AM
Sorry I've not been around... was busy with my work. I'm a Christian and I'm glad there's freedom in Japan now for Japanese to hear the wonderful Gospel! =)
My school is looking into the possibility of a cultural exchange with Nagasaki!
Posted by: Cath | Monday, September 12, 2005 at 12:09 PM