Shimabara Castle and Town

Shimabara Castle Ruins, a National Historic Site
The origins of Shimabara Castle

Shimabara Castle was built by Shigemasa Matsukura who took over the domain from Gojo. In the base, one feudal domain and one castle, in 1618, had prohibited new castle construction but received castle permission from shoguns and construction. It was completed after approximately seven years. At the same time, he developed the town around Shimabara castle and samurai residence. 

Put in the main bailey is that castle tower of five floors has no gable. It is said that didn't make the gable because of the cut-down of expenses, the simple appearance of the Shimabara castle is one of the features. The Ninomaru follow the Honmaru, and the Sannomaru, where the lord of  the castle lived in his palace, is located to the north.

There are disparate a role Honnmaru and Ninomaru for fighting, and Sannomaru as a government about the specific structure of the edo period. In the normal case, we imagine Honnmaru and Ninomaru are fortified with a wall but the real is a castle area that spreads out the stone wall of approximately 350 m to east and west, approximately 1200 m to north and south. In the past time, there placed hira yagura of thirty-two, could respond to a battle even if a simple plane structure like a rectangle.

Kagamiishi incorporated in stone wall catch a glimpse of the castle construction of the momoyama period, the other hand, the Shimabara castle that was using a castle construction technology of an early Edo period will be said terminus of the modern castle wall.

Since then, it has served as the residence of four clans, Matsukura clan, Kouriki clan, Matsudaira clan, Toda clan, and again the Matsudaira clan spanning 19 generations.

During that time, in 1637 it withstood the fierce by Shiro Amakusa commanding general attacks of the rebels during the Shimabara Rebellion, and in 1792 it endured successive earthquakes and a massive tsunami during the Shimabara Catastrophe. With the Meiji Restoration, the castle was abandoned and later dismantled. However, efforts to fulfill the dream of reconstructing the castle, which had been ongoing for years among the people of Shimabara, led to the restoration of the castle tower in 1964.

– Text from a sign.

Special Local Products of Shimabara: Japanese Wax Trees and Japan Wax
In early winter, Japanese wax trees turn aflame with red leaves and enliven the fields and mountains in the Shimabara district. Production of Japan wax obtained from Japanese wax trees was a major traditional local industry, and had supported the Shimabara district since the age of domain administration.

In 1744, Lord Tadatoki ordered his subjects to plant 50,000 Japanese wax trees throughout the territory, and to plant another 50,000 trees later. Consequently, planting of Japanese wax trees began in earnest, increasing the production of Japan wax in the Shimabara domain.

Particularly after the Shimabara Catastrophe (1792), to overcome the financial crisis and help boost economic growth, the Shimabara domain established a system to purchase 600 t of Japanese wax tree berries, as part of measures to increase Japan wax production. Around that time, a high-quality variety of Japanese wax tree called "Fukuhaze" was discovered and then improved. This resulted in increased production of Japan wax, which brought annual profits of between 5,000 and 7,000 ryo to the Shimabara domain, helping improve its finances and industries, and making the domain prosperous.

– Text from the sign in the background.

Wood Wax Press
This press (wax press) was used to grind the peel of the Japanese wax tree into a powder, steam it, and then compress it in this press to extract the wax coating.

Boiling the resulting wax liquid and pouring it into a mold produced "raw wax." Mixing the "raw wax" with an alkaline solution, boiling it, and then drying it in the sun produced "bleached wax."

The cultivation of Japanese wax trees became popular on the Shimabara Peninsula because Matsudaira Tadafusa, the first lord of the Matsudaira clan, promoted its cultivation, and then, in 1744, the fourth lord, Matsudaira Tadakatsu, distributed 100,000 Japanese wax trees to the people to plant, demonstrating the encouragement of successive lords.

Within the Shimabara domain, there were approximately 80 official factory buildings (factories directly controlled by the lord), and it is said that these factories had several of these "wax presses," employing around 2,000 people. Wax production was prohibited outside of the official workshops, and cutting down the Japanese wax trees was also forbidden, but production became free after the Meiji Restoration.

According to old documents, it is written as follows:
In 1720 (Kyoho 5), over 21,860 kin (approximately 13 tons)
In 1791 (Kansei 3), 1 million kin (600 tons)
In 1856 (Ansei 3), 6.2 million kin (3,780 tons)

These wax nuts, along with polished rice, were sent from Shimabara to Osaka and traded, becoming a major source of income for the domain at the time.

– Text from the wooden sign on the left, read and translated using Google Gemini and Translate.

Illustration of the Construction of Shimabara Castle
After the Arima clan lord was transferred to Nobeoka, Matsukura Bungo-no-kami was appointed by the shogunate to rule Shimabara in Hizen Province as the lord of a 40,000 koku domain. Matsukura decided to demolish Hara Castle and the old forts within his territory and construct a new castle on the Moritake hill. He assigned labor to the village headmen and mobilized them for hard labor. Matsukura Bungo-no-kami was renowned as a master castle builder, and the castle was vast, elegant, and strategically designed. Each section of the construction was assigned a time limit; those who were late were punished, while those who completed it early were rewarded. With 300 to 500 men working daily, the construction took 7 years and 3 months, and despite numerous casualties from accidents during construction, it was finally completed after the labor of a total of 1 million people. During this time, the economic burden on the people was unspeakable, and it is said that some secretly crossed themselves during the work due to the immense suffering. The Shimabara Rebellion occurred 13 years after the castle was completed.

Note: This illustration depicts the construction progress from 3.5 to 6 years after the start of construction, all in one frame.
Explanation. Illustrations by Shojiro Miyazaki

– Text from a sign, read and translated using Google Gemini and Translate.

Let's Look at the West Side from the Top of the Castle (Towards Mount Fugen)
The mountain in the foreground is Mount Mayuyama, and the mountain to its right and behind it is Mount Heisei-shinzan. In 1792 (late Edo period), Mount Mayuyama collapsed in a horseshoe shape due to the eruption of Mount Fugen. A large amount of earth and debris flowed into the sea, causing numerous tsunamis. A total of 15,000 people lost their lives in Shimabara and Kumamoto. This is known as the "Shimabara Disaster and Higo Disaster."

Approximately 200 years later, in 1991, Mount Fugen erupted again. Pyroclastic flows and mudslides caused immense damage. This time, Mount Mayuyama acted as a shield, protecting the center of Shimabara.

The two paintings depict the area before and after the 1792 collapse of Mount Mayuyama. The threat of disaster is immediately apparent.

– Text from a sign, read and translated using Google Gemini and Translate.

Let's Look at the North Side from the Top of the Castle (Towards Isahaya)
From here, we can clearly see the layout of Shimabara Castle. The layout is like the "divisions" in residential land development. Shimabara Castle is of a type called "renkaku-shiki".

Its characteristic feature is that the baileys, such as the "honmaru" (main keep) and "ninomaru" (second bailey), are lined up in a straight line. 400 years ago, there were no tall buildings. Looking up at the castle from the Ariake Sea, it must have looked magnificent and majestic, like a giant warship.

– Text from a sign, translated using Google.

Let's Look at the East Side from the Top of the Castle (Towards Kumamoto)
The Shimabara Station of the Shimabara Railway Co., Ltd. is modeled after the main gate of Shimabara, which stood 400 years ago. As can be seen from old maps, Shimabara flourished around its port as a key point for transportation on the Ariake Sea. However, in the Meiji era, there was a need for a means of transporting goods faster and in larger quantities than by ship. 39 years after Japan's first railway ran between Shinbashi and Yokohama in 1872, a railway line was built between Isahaya and Aino in 1911, and in 1913 (Taisho 2), the entire line of approximately 43 km to Shimabara Port was completed.

From the Taisho to Showa periods, the Shimabara Railway made a significant contribution to the development of the peninsula's economy by providing direct service to Hakata and serving as a means of transportation for local residents' shopping, commuting, and schooling. The greatest contributor to this was Mototaro Ueki. He called himself "Tekkyosai" (Iron Maniac) and was a great man who also served as the first mayor of Shimabara. The "Deeply Sad Farewell" plaque presented by Mr. Ueki is displayed alongside the No. 1 locomotive at the Railway Museum in Saitama Prefecture.

– Text from a sign, read and translated using Google Gemini and Translate.

The Ancient Wisdom Hidden in the Shimabara Castle's Stone Walls
-A Castle Built with the Blessings of the Earth -

One of the reasons Shimabara Castle was built here and why the castle town prospered is the abundance of water. Just upstream from the castle, there is an volcanic fan (a fan-shaped area where sediment and debris are deposited by volcanic activity) where high-quality water, slowly filtered over time, naturally springs up. The castle's strategic location provided access to underground water flowing beneath it, offering a significant advantage.

If you look closely at the stone walls of Shimabara Castle, you will notice an ingenious feature: extra corners were added to make the walls stronger and more durable. This design also made the castle easier to defend and harder to attack by eliminating blind spots.

Channels were built to take full advantage of the abundant spring water resources. The castle flourished around these channels, showing how important they were for the local community.

– Text from a sign.

Mysterious (Beyond Human Comprehension) and Wonderful! Giant Shadow Picture of Shimabara Castle
As night falls, a giant silhouette of Shimabara Castle appears. Every night until 11 PM, Shimabara Castle is illuminated by searchlights, beautifully highlighting its pristine white form. This is because it also serves as a lighthouse for ships navigating the Ariake Sea.

In the summer of 2016, when half the searchlights were turned off to watch the fireworks display at Shimabara Port, a giant silhouette suddenly appeared in the night sky. Named the "Castle Monster," this mysterious phenomenon can now be enjoyed at the weekend events "Shimabara Castle Night Festival" and the "Castle Monster Mystery Solving Game."

– Text from a sign, read and translated using Google Gemini and Translate.

Miniature Spirit Boat
Commemorating the 400th Anniversary of the Construction of Shimabara Castle
Donated by: Maruichi Funeral Services Co., Ltd.
[15/1000th the actual size]

– Text from the label atop the spirit boat, translated using Google.

Spirit Boat Procession
On August 15th, the "Shoryo Nagashi" (spirit boat procession), which illuminates the evening of the Obon festival, is one of Shimabara's traditional events.

Its history spans over 300 years, and it is said that after the Shimabara Rebellion of 1637, it became such a lively event in order to suppress the resurgence of Christianity and promote Buddhism, or to conceal the presence of Christians.

The spirit boats are carried along with the spirited shouts of "Namaido!" The cut-glass lanterns adorning them are unique to Shimabara, and their splendor and tradition, along with the Shoryo Nagashi, have been designated as a cultural property of the city.

The spirit boats and cut-glass lanterns, unique to Shimabara, create an atmosphere of both liveliness and tranquility. It is a tradition that we hope will be preserved forever.

– Text from a sign, read and translated using Google Gemini and Translate.

Shimabara Technical High School Local History Club Production
"Shimabara Castle made with toothpicks"
Production period: 2 months
Number of toothpicks used: Approximately 60,000

– Text from the sign below the toothpick image, read and translated using Google Gemini and Translate.

Moritake Castle (Shimabara Castle)
Presented by Hiroyuki Matsutake

Born in 1946 in Shimabara City.

After graduating from the Faculty of Letters at Kokugakuin University, he cultivated his artistic spirit.

He actively participated in various art exhibitions both domestically and internationally, and held numerous solo exhibitions, including a special exhibition for the reconstruction support project of Mount Unzen Fugen.

He received awards such as the Konju Medal. In April 1995, he traveled to France as a Japan-France Goodwill Ambassador.

He is a director of the World Art Council.

– Text from a sign, translated using Google.

Shimabara Catastrophe
On May 21, 1792 (April 1 of the 4th year of Kansei, the lunar calendar), a catastrophic volcanic disaster occurred. Mt. Mayuyama (a lava dome rising behind the Shimabara castle town) collapsed, blanketing the castle town with debris avalanche. This disaster killed 10,184 people, swept away 10,665 houses, destroyed 2,932 houses, more than 313 cho of paddy fields, more than 115 cho of dry fields and more than 34 cho of salt fields, and damaged 530 ships. The huge tsunami that ensued struck the villages in Shimabara and traveled across the sea and hit the opposite shores of Kumamoto and Amakusa, claiming the lives of 15,000 people who were swept away. This great catastrophe is called the Shimabara Taihen Higo Meiwaku (Shimabara Catastrophe and nuisance to Higo Province).

Since the previous year, a series of earthquakes had been occurring in the Shimabara district. When the new year began, Mt. Fugendate started to erupt. The lava flowed down the mountain and through valleys and reached Senbongi in Sugitani Village. And finally, Mt. Mayuyama collapsed. A thick blanket of debris covered the entire area of the castle town from the Otegomon gate and southward. The height of the tsunami generated at that time reached 10 meters, causing damage to 22 towns and villages, from Yamada Village in the north to Minami Arima Village in the south. This catastrophe is one of the worst disasters in the history of Japan. From the castle tower's observatory, you can still view the traces of the Shimabara Catastrophe.

– Text from a sign.

Haihan Chiken (Abolition of Feudal Domains and Establishment of Prefectures) Leads to a New Era
In the closing days of the Tokugawa shogunate, the Shimabara domain was in confusion. Since its lords from the Matsudaira clan were heredity vassals and said to be acting as secret watchdogs over Kyushu, the domain took a wait-and-see attitude. This can be considered the cause of its delay in responding to the Meiji Restoration.

After Hanseki Hokan was carried out in 1869, Lord Tadakazu was appointed as Shimabara domain's governor. In 1871, the Shimabara domain was abolished and became part of the new Nagasaki Prefecture. A branch office of the prefectural government was placed at the site of the former Shimabara domain office.

The Shimabara Peninsula at this time was worth about 38,000 koku, and was home to more than 128,000 citizens and more than 6,500 samurai members (plus over 3,000 citizens of the Kojiro-nabeshima clan's fiefdom, which was worth 3,000 koku).

The previous year, the town/village headman system was abolished, and two years later, new administrative districts were set up. Subsequently, two towns and 28 villages were established on the Shimabara Peninsula. Farmers, tradesmen and artisans were permitted to have surnames. The Meiji government also permitted freedom of cultivation to farmers, and abolished the edict prohibiting the permanent sale of land. In this way, people began to be liberated from feudal rule

– Text from a sign.

Shimabara domain's cannon "Teifuichi"
This cannon was made in 1838 (Tenpo 9) by Miyagawa Takuemon Morioki, a gunnery instructor for the Shimabara Domain, together with Kunitomo Masahisa, a gunsmith in the domain's service. It was named "Teifuichi."

Its official designation was "Hyakumonmeishibiya Oozutsu" (100-momme Stone-Fire Cannon), and it weighed 120 kg.

According to historical documents, a test firing was conducted in March of Tenpo 10 (1839) at Otsukayama in Mikai Village, and the projectile landed on Mayuyama, approximately 3 km away.

– Text from left wooden panel in the photograph above, read and translated using Google Gemini and Translate.

Artillery of the Shimabara domain
Exhibitor: Yasuko Miyagawa (Shimabara City)

The Miyagawa family, artillery instructors for the Shimabara Domain, studied Ogino-ha firearms in Marugame, Sanuki Province during the Kansei era.

Successive generations of the family, known as Miyagawa Doemon, were involved in the manufacture and training of large cannons.

During the late Edo period, Yoshida Shoin, who was studying in western Japan, also visited the family and discussed coastal defense and other matters.

– Text from right wooden panel in the photograph above, read and translated using Google Gemini and Translate.

Artillery and Lighthouse
The Shimabara Domain's martial arts included artillery (firearms and cannons). You can see the evolution of firearms, from the matchlock guns imported during the Sengoku period, to the mounted pistols (bajōzutsu), and the Spencer rifles (repeating rifles) used in the Meiji Restoration.

The cannon called Teifuichi was made in 1838 by the Miyagawa family, who served as artillery instructors for the Shimabara Domain, in collaboration with the domain's official gunsmith. Weighing 120 kg, it is said that test firings hit Mount Mayuyama, 3 km away.

During the late Edo period, when foreign ships began to appear, Yoshida Shōin, who was studying abroad, visited the Miyagawa family and discussed coastal defense. The site of the Miyagawa family residence remains in the samurai residence district.

After the Meiji Restoration, Shimabara, having supported the shogunate, likely felt somewhat behind. However, the merchants of Shimabara possessed a pioneering spirit. They were the first in the country to jointly fund the construction of a lighthouse in the Ariake Sea, which became a driving force in leading Shimabara in the future.

– Text from a sign, read and translated using Google Gemini and Translate.

Firefighting Attire
In the event of a fire, the magistrate takes command from the front lines and works to extinguish it. The attire worn at that time is made of woolen cloth with intricate embroidery, and is luxuriously crafted.

Submitted by Mine Nakamura (Shimabara City)

– Text from a sign below the final photograph above, read and translated using Google Gemini and Translate.

It may look like a flashy firefighting outfit, but...
Are you familiar with the saying, "Fires and fights are the flowers of Edo"? During the 267 years of the Edo shogunate, 1,798 fires occurred in Edo, 49 of which are recorded in historical documents, such as the Great Fire of Meireki (1657: over 100,000 deaths, destruction of Edo Castle's keep).

The exhibited item is a fire-fighting outfit believed to have been worn by a magistrate of the Shimabara domain. It's a luxurious garment made of rasha (a thick woolen fabric) with intricate embroidery. While fires were a riot, it seems they were also a "perfect occasion" for showcasing one's stylish and courageous character.

The lining features the eyes of a dragon. Since ancient times, dragons have been considered mythical creatures believed to control water and weather.

– Text from a sign, read and translated using Google Gemini and Translate.

New Lord from the Matsudaira Clan
Lord Matsudaira Tadafusa was from the Fukozu Matsudaira clan, one of the so-called seven Matsudaira clans. Three generations of his ancestors desperately battled in support of Tokugawa Ieyasu in various regions. Therefore the Fukozu Matsudaira clan gained Ieyasu's great trust for its military prowess.

In 1669, replacing the Koriki clan, Matsudaira Tonomonokami Tadafusa came to Shimabara as a feudal lord. At this point, he became a daimyo with revenues of more than 65,900 koku, since he was given, in addition to the Shimabara fiefdom worth 38,300 koku, the 99 villages of Buzen and Bungo provinces, worth 27,590 koku.

Lords from the Matsudaira clan were assigned to conduct surveillance of Nagasaki, a domain directly governed by the shogunate, and also to serve as a secret watchdog over Kyushu and govern the Shimabara domain. In other words, they played a deterrent role in Kyushu, where there were many non-hereditary vassals (tozama daimyo).

Before Lord Matsudaira Tadafusa arrived, the Shimabara domain changed hands often: from Lord Arima, Matsukura (two generations) to Koriki (two generations). However, under the lordship of the Matsudaira clan, stable rule continued for nearly 200 years (although for 25 years the territory was exchanged with that of the Utsunomiya Toda clan). Stable rule allowed the domain to enjoy economic and cultural prosperity.

– Text from a sign.

Clamshells used for a shell-matching game
*Kai-awase* is a traditional Japanese card-like game that involves finding matching pairs of shells from a set placed face-down. The interiors of the shells are beautifully decorated with paintings featuring themes such as the beauties of nature (flowers, birds, wind, and moon) or scenes from *The Tale of Genji*. These were items cherished by noblewomen.

Exhibited by: Showa Matsuo (Shimabara City)

– Text from a sign, translated using Google.

Seal of the Shimabara Domain
This "domain seal" was used during the transition to the new Meiji administrative system following the abolition of the Shimabara Domain. It was in use for only a brief period prior to the establishment of Nagasaki Prefecture. It serves as a valuable artifact documenting the dissolution of the Shimabara Domain.

Donated by Mr. Teiichiro Yamamoto (Shimabara City)

– Text from a sign, translated using Google.

Completion of Shimabara Castle
The new lord of Shimabara, Matsukura Bungonokami Shigemasa started governing the domain with enthusiasm typical of a daimyo in the Warring States period, such as launching a project to construct a large-scale castle. Around 1624, it was completed as Shimabara Castle. Matsukura Shigemasa came to Shimabara from Gojo (Nara Prefecture) after his predecessor Arima Naozumi was transferred to Nobeoka. Shigemasa built this new castle as a base for governing his fiefdom. At the same time, he developed Shimabara as a castle town.

The castle's outer precinct measured 350 meters east to west, and 1,200 meters north to south, and was surrounded by a wall 3,800 meters long. In the southern part of the inner precinct was the Honmaru, or main enclosure. Located to the north of the Honmaru were the Ninomaru, or secondary enclosure, and Sannomaru, tertiary enclosure. A five-story, 32-meter-high castle tower stood on the Honmaru, where three-story turrets were set up in three locations. The Sannomaru housed the lord's residence and the domain office as well as the palace. The residential area for higher ranking warriors was located within the castle premises; that for lower ranking warriors was placed on the outer west side of the premises.

– Text from a sign.

Portrait of Saint Francis Xavier
Discovered in Osaka Prefecture in 1920, this is a valuable early Japanese Western-style painting and Christian religious painting. Needless to say, Xavier was the one who introduced Christianity to Japan. Holding a red heart representing his teacher's firm faith and deep passion for missionary work, he gazes up at the crucified Christ, murmuring, "God, this heart is purified and filled." In the center of the cross, the abbreviation IHS for Jesus Christ shines brightly. At the bottom, the kanji characters read San Francisco Saverio Sacramento, meaning "Saint Francis Xavier is performing the sacraments." The signature of Gyofu Kanjin can be seen.

– Text from a sign below the painting, translated using Google Translate.

Christianity Arrives in Shimabara
Christianity, first introduced to Japan by Francis Xavier, spread to the western and eastern parts of Kyushu, and reached the Shimabara Peninsula in 1563. After Arima Yoshisada, the feudal lord of the Shimabara domain, gave permission to construct a church at Kuchinotsu Port, Jesuit missionary Luis de Almeida came to Shimabara and propagated Christianity in the district, which saw a rapid spread of the religion. In 1567, a Portuguese ship entered the Port of Kuchinotsu, and the Arima clan earnestly started the so-called Nanban trade with Europe. Yoshisada was also converted to Christianity, and churches were built in various parts of Shimabara. The Shimabara Peninsula thus came to serve as a major center for Christianity in Japan.

– Text from a sign.

Letter to the Pope
In 1619, Pope Paul V sent a letter of encouragement to Japanese believers suffering under persecution. In response, believers in Shimabara—following the example of Julian Nakaura (of the Tenshō Embassy to Europe)—drafted a reply signed by twelve representatives. At that time, the persecution of Christians was underway in Shimabara (thirty-seven of these individuals were beatified in 2008).

The photograph shows a document housed in the Vatican Library. The area within the red dotted line contains a letter addressed to Pope Paul V from Japan, bearing the inscription: "This life as a testament of faith—burning with fervor..."

The white dotted line indicates the signatures of the twelve individuals. The characters for "Arima Village" are also visible.

– Text from a sign, read and translated using Google Gemini and Translate.

Seminario
A primary seminary established based on the European educational system. Higher-level seminaries, known as *colégios*, were also opened. Visitor Valignano, who arrived in Japan in 1579, recognized the need to train Japanese clergy and opened schools in Arima and Azuchi the following year. Boys as young as ten were admitted to these boarding schools, where they studied subjects such as theology, Latin, Japanese, history, and music. Miguel Chijiwa, Mancio Ito, Julian Nakaura, and Martin Hara traveled to Rome to meet the Pope in 1582; ​​they were warmly welcomed and successfully fulfilled their important mission.

– Text from a sign below the painting, translated using Google Translate.

Four Boy Ambassadors, including Chijiwa Miguel, Visit Rome
To convey how prosperous Christianity was in Japan at that time, four Japanese boys left Japan for Europe to see and express appreciation to the Pope. They were members of the Boys' Delegation to Europe, also known as the Tensho Embassy.

Since Father Alessandro Valignano recognized Japanese people's excellence, he wanted to tell European people how wonderful Japanese people were, while letting Japanese people understand the development of Western culture centering on Christianity. It was therefore decided to send a Japanese embassy to Rome, consisting of four boy delegates selected from among Seminario students. Chijiwa Miguel, a cousin of Arima Harunobu and a nephew of Omura Sumitada, and Ito Mancio from Miyazaki, who was distantly related to Otomo Sorin, served as chief delegates of the mission. The two other members were Nakaura Julião and Hara Martino. In February 1582, the embassy left Nagasaki Port and arrived in Portugal in 1585. On March 23, the ambassadors had an audience with Pope Gregory XIII. They were greatly welcomed, admirably fulfilling their mission. The embassy safely arrived back in Nagasaki in July 1590.

The four ambassadors were subsequently ordained, but later Chijiwa Miguel abandoned the faith. The remaining three continued working to support churches during the period of religious oppression.

– Text from a sign.

Letter from the Pope
Pope Paul VI presented a photograph and a letter to mark the opening of the Shimabara Castle Christian Historical Museum.

– Text from the wooden sign partially visible in the photograph above, translated using Google.

January 5, 1966
No. 2818/FA

Mr. Ambassador,

I have the pleasure of enclosing herewith, for Your Excellency, a photograph of the Sovereign Pontiff upon which His Holiness has graciously affixed His autograph signature.

This photograph is intended for the Mayor of Shimabara, for the city's Christian Museum, in accordance with the wish Your Excellency expressed in the letter addressed to me on December 14th.

Delighted to have been of service to you in this matter, I beg you to accept, Mr. Ambassador, the assurance of my highest consideration.

– Text from the letter, translated using Google Gemini.

"Illustration of the Persecution of Christians at Unzen Jigoku" — from Montanus's *Atlas Japannensis* (Amsterdam edition, 1669; original is a copperplate engraving).

– Text from the bottom of the panels, read and translated using Google Gemini and Translate.

Unzen Hell: Land of Martyrdom
Unzen Volcano has been known as a sacred place since ancient times. When pilgrims visiting the mountain took a close look at the craters, they called them "hells" due to their hell-like appearance. The searing ground and scalding springs were compared to Hell, said to be a place where wicked people are sent. These hells were used as sites for gruesome torture and executions of Christians during the time of religious persecution.

After Matsukura Shigemasa came to Shimabara as the new feudal lord, he severely cracked down on Christianity. Around 1627, the torture in the hells of Unzen Volcano began. Christians arrested in the Shimabara Peninsula and Nagasaki were sent up to Mt. Unzen, where they were subjected to torture, having scalding hot water thrown over their bodies from the hell's boiling springs, and pressured to abandon their faith. Those who refused to renounce their faith were unmercifully thrown alive into the boiling springs. Many Christians died for their faith. These incidents of torture were so gruesome that they were reported as far as to Europe. A Dutch missionary and historian (1625-83), Arnoldus Montanus, painted a picture showing the Christian torture in the Unzen hells. A total of 37 Christians, including Uchibori Sakuemon, were martyred and later beatified.

– Text from a sign, translated using Google.

Picture of Martyrdom in Unzen Hell
Torture and persecution demanding renunciation were carried out in various places, but believers in Shimabara and Nagasaki were dragged to Unzen and threatened into renunciation. This is known as the hellish torture, and its horrors shocked people in Europe. A picture of it is included in Montanus's "History of Japan," published in 1669. It conveys the horrific nature of the persecution of Christians in the Shimabara region to this day.

– Text from a sign, translated using Google.

Jizo-style Stone Lantern with a Concealed Cross Design
City-Designated Tangible Cultural Property

A cross is carved in relief on the bottom of the fire chamber. A cross motif is incised on the base of the cylindrical body, which measures approximately 40 cm in height. Two figures of Jizo are carved into the cylindrical section, and there is also a fire chamber opening on the back. It may have been used by Hidden Christians during secret gatherings held under the guise of groups such as *Tsukimachi-ko* (moon-worshiping confraternities) or *Jizo-ko* (Jizo-worshiping confraternities).

– Text from the wooden sign in the photograph above, read and translated using Google Gemini and Translate.

The Battle of Otemon Gate during the Shimabara Uprising
On October 25, 1637 (Kanei 14), farmers in the southern part of the Shimabara region revolted against the oppressive rule of the Shimabara domain lord and attacked Shimabara Castle. However, they were unable to capture it and retreated, taking refuge in the ruins of Hara Castle. This marked the beginning of the Shimabara Rebellion.

Illustration by Shojiro Miyazaki

– Text from a sign, read and translated using Google Gemini and Translate.

Shimabara Uprising
In 1637, the Shimabara Uprising, a great rebellion that shook the whole country, broke out centering in the Shimabara district. Around the time when Matsukura Katsuie became the new lord of the Shimabara domain, the shuinsen trade (trade by ships with a shogunal charter for foreign trade) came to be abolished. The lord therefore had to shift the domain's trade-dependent financial policy to a policy of increasing revenues within the domain. Katsuie raised the land tax (nengu), and severely collected the tax even when crop yields declined due to prolonged bad weather, driving peasants in the Shimabara district into starvation.

That same year, circulars were issued to bring villagers back to Christianity. On October 25, riots began in various villages in the southern part of the Shimabara Peninsula against local magistrate control. The next day, people in each village attacked Shimabara Castle but they failed. The peasants participated in the rebellion barricaded themselves in the ruins of Hara Castle. Notably, almost the entire population of all the villages in the southern Shimabara Peninsula participated in the rebellion, and was later joined by residents of the Amakusa Islands. The number of people joining the rebellion is considered to be 27,000 (or 37,000, according to another account). This rebellion eventually developed into the Shimabara Uprising, which had great impact across Japan.

– Text from a sign.

Fumi-e and Hidden Christians
The Shimabara Uprising was not merely resistance against the feudal lord, but a great rebellion that denied the shogunate and domain system. The shogunate, however, also labeled the uprising as a Christian revolt, and stressed that Christianity would disturb the country. Therefore the existing edict against Christianity was enforced even more stringently. In the Shimabara domain, humiliating interrogations called fumie were strictly carried out to weed out Christians. To identify adherents of Christianity, all the people in each village were summoned together and required to tread upon an icon of Jesus or the Virgin Mary, thereby proving they were non-Christians. All the villagers were then required to become supporters of a Buddhist temple, and record their sects and denominations in ledgers called Shumon-ninbetsu-cho. Those who had formerly believed in Christianity but abandoned their faith, as well as their descendants were called ruizoku, and put under surveillance for five to seven generations. When a person of ruizoku died, his/her town's or village's headman had to report the death to the government to ensure that the corpse underwent examination by a government official.

Despite such a stringent crackdown, some people continued practicing Christianity in secret. However, they considerably drifted away from Christian teachings, under the long-lasting situation where they had no missionaries or church. These people were called "underground Christians." In 1804, a serious issue arose when 5,000 people were revealed to be worshiping a different religious statue in Amakusa, which was under the custodial jurisdiction of the Shimabara domain.

– Text from a sign.

Illustration of the Dutch Ship Bombardment of Hara Castle
Matsudaira Nobutsuna, the Shogunate's envoy, requested cooperation in suppressing the rebellion from Nicholas Cookebacker, the head of the Dutch trading post in Hirado, by ordering him to "sail a Dutch ship to Arima."

The De Leip arrived off the coast of Arima on January 11th and bombarded Hara Castle. They also attacked from land with cannons that had been sent earlier. However, both sides were criticized for "relying on foreign aid," and on January 28th, they were ordered to withdraw. It is said that they fired 426 cannonballs during that time. Some of the cannonballs are on display in the main building.

Illustration by Shojiro Miyazaki

– Text from a sign, read and translated using Google Gemini and Translate.

Model of the Siege of Hara Castle
The insurgent forces holed up in the ruins of Hara Castle maintained high morale. The combined forces of the Shogunate and various daimyo, numbering 120,000 troops, surrounded the castle and laid siege to it, attempting to starve the defenders out. Local junior high school students created and exhibited a scale model illustrating the battle.

Created by Minami-Arima Junior High School

– Text from a sign, translated using Google.

Amakusa Shiro
All the villagers from the 14 villages in the southern part of the Shimabara Peninsula joined the riots. The number of these participants was 24,000, which was 60% of the total population of the Shimabara Peninsula. Riots also began in the Amakusa Islands. The rebels from Shimabara and Amakusa decided to join forces, and gathered in the ruins of Hara Castle, at which they barricaded themselves. It was 16-year-old Amakusa Shiro who led the rebel peasants.

The peasants were grouped by village, and members of each group lived en masse, with the defensive positions shared by all groups. Each village headman served as a mediator, and provided general care for the villagers. Since before the rebellion, each district had a Christian society, which formed community solidarity among the villagers. Backed by the combination of such community solidarity and religious power, participating peasants maintained a remarkably high level of morale. The former Arima and Konishi retainers and their masterless samurai worked as councilors, and they were in charge of military affairs. During the battles, these warriors led the farmer troops and fought at the front lines. They made Amakusa Shiro the leader and symbol of the uprising, and brought together the peasants under the battle flag of Shiro. These clever strategies and the strong solidarity among the peasants distinguished this uprising from other peasants' revolts, helping it develop into a great rebellion.

– Text from a sign.

"Citadel of Martyrdom"
This work depicts Hara Castle, the site where as many as 30,000 people met a martyr's death. By placing the "Honkami Jizo" (Bone-Gnawing Jizo) and a statue of Amakusa Shiro at the center, the artist expresses a prayer for the repose of the souls of the many victims.

Bisen Jijo, Councilor of the Nihon Nanga-in (Japan Nanga Academy)

– Text from a sign, translated using Google.

Restoration after the Shimabara Uprising
Within the precincts of Yawata Shrine, located near the site of Hara Castle, is a monument called "Kubizuka," built in memory of the victims of the Shimabara Uprising. This was erected by Suzuki Shigenari, a local magistrate dispatched to rebuild Amakusa after the rebellion.

Lord Matsukura Katsuie was charged with responsibility for the rebellion and thus beheaded, and his domain was confiscated. In 1638, Koriki Tadafusa was appointed as the new lord of the Shimabara domain. His first mission was to restore the areas worth 22,000 koku, which suffered a total loss of population. To accomplish this task, it was urgently necessary to resettle farmers in these areas. In 1642, the shogunate ordered domains in western Japan to resettle farmers in Shimabara and Amakusa districts. Those who immigrated on this shogunate's order were called Kogi Hyakusho (official immigrant farmers). In addition, Lord Koriki ordered that ownerless land be given to those who cultivated it and exempted them from land tax. Consequently, many people within the domain and from other parts of Japan came to settle in the deserted areas. They were called Kakekomi Hyakusho (last-minute immigrant farmers).

Through these measures, the number of people in villages increased, and Shimabara took a steady step toward reconstruction. According to records, in 1674 the domain's population reached 45,687, which was larger than before the rebellion.

– Text from a sign.

Cannonball Excavated from Hara Castle
The Shogunate forces had the Dutch ship *De Rijp* sail from Hirado to the waters off Hara Castle and bombarded the fortress from both sea and land. Although 426 rounds were fired at Hara Castle, the bombardment had little effect. These cannonballs were unearthed from fields near the castle and from the seabed.

– Text from a sign, read and translated using Google Gemini and Translate.

Komainu
1955 (Showa 30) — High-purity Aluminum

The artist has repeatedly used the *komainu* (guardian dog) as a subject since the early Showa era. This sculpture depicts the legendary spiritual beast with its head slightly tilted; the form—extending from a sturdy chest down to the lower body—embodies a free-flowing conception that fuses the acts of exhaling and inhaling into a unified whole. Amidst a dignified air brimming with vitality, the figure possesses a human-like expression tinged with a touch of melancholy. It is a masterpiece of the turbulent Showa era.

– Text from a plaque at the base of the above sculpture, read and translated using Google Gemini and Translate.

Urashima (Urashima – Dance of Longevity)
1950 (Showa 25), Bronze

He is depicted as a spirited young Urashima, with his left hand flung wide, his right hand grasping his hair, and his arms and shoulders rendered with powerful, expressive vigor.

Upon returning to Tokyo from his wartime evacuation site and confronting a landscape utterly transformed by the war, he likens his state of mind to that of Urashima Taro. Yet, rather than appearing aged by the smoke of the *tamatebako* (magic casket), he stands as a robust young man, embodying a renewed determination to face the drastically changed times.

– Text from a sign at the base of the above sculpture, read and translated using Google Gemini and Translate.

Amakusa Shirō
1972 (Showa 47), Bronze

This statue of Amakusa Shirō emerged from the artistic world of Seibō; the figure, captured in prayer, embodies both passion and faith through a composition that emphasizes a frontal orientation. The site of Hara Castle was the artist's own birthplace, and the bright, open landscape overlooking the Ariake Sea likely shaped his character—fostering a spirit that shunned convention and embraced the challenge of the new.

– Text from a sign at the base of the above sculpture, read and translated using Google Gemini and Translate.

Oda Nobunaga in His Youth
1965 (Showa 40), High-purity aluminum

This is a statue of a young Oda Nobunaga depicted shooting an arrow while turning back in the saddle. Through extensive study of equestrian statues, the artist arrived at a composition that captures a sense of freedom and lightness, as if the figure were soaring through the air.

It is a dynamic equestrian statue that fuses the masculine boldness and feminine elegance inherited from mentors at the Tokyo School of Fine Arts, further refined to achieve a sense of vibrant motion.

– Text from a sign at the base of the above sculpture, read and translated using Google Gemini and Translate.

I am deeply moved that the Seibo Memorial Hall shines atop the castle grounds and that plans are even underway for a portrait; yet, the true journey of Seibo’s art is only just beginning. Along with maintaining my health, I must guard against complacency.
"Relentless is the pace of the snail."

November 18, 1972 — Sculptor Sojin (at age 88)

– Text from the plaque visible below the sculpture, read and translated using Google Gemini and Translate.

The Seibo Memorial Hall has been erected here to celebrate the 88th birthday of Seibo Kitamura—a master of Japanese sculpture hailing from our hometown of Shimabara—and to honor his enduring achievements. Each of his works, created across the Meiji, Taisho, and Showa eras, evokes a vivid emotional response and purifies the soul, radiating an eternal brilliance and grace. He is truly a national treasure of which Japan can be proud. The wellspring of Seibo’s art—characterized by its majestic power and the embodiment of divine compassion—can be traced to the nurturing influence of his hometown’s magnificent landscape and rich history. Realized through the artist's own generosity, the enthusiasm of the Tokyo-based Nanko Association, and the support of many others, this hall stands as a symbol of pride and joy for the people of Shimabara. It is a sanctuary of sculptural art without equal in the world. Visitors here will encounter the sublime elegance and essence of his work, finding themselves moved to a state of serene contemplation. It is our fervent hope that those born and raised in Shimabara will take the spirit and achievements of this great artist as a guiding torch, keeping the flame of their own artistic and personal striving burning bright.

An auspicious day in autumn, 1972
Inscribed by Tokuyoshi Matsuo, Mayor of Shimabara

– Text from a larger plaque out of view below the sculpture, read and translated using Google Gemini and Translate.

Goddess of Liberty (Goddess of Peace)
1968 (Showa 43), High-purity aluminum

This work embodies the same philosophy as the male Peace Statue—depicted with arms outstretched like a bow—but expresses it through the figure of a woman. It is a statue of a goddess, radiating gentleness and proclaiming peace through a dynamic, sweeping pose.

– Text from a sign at the base of the above sculpture, read and translated using Google Gemini and Translate.

Sacred Flame
1965 (Showa 40), Bronze

This statue is modeled after a torchbearer who ran along National Route 15 just before the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. This messenger of peace, carrying the torch with a spirited stride, holds aloft a beacon of hope for the era. Reflecting an emphasis on health, the dynamic athlete—much like those of ancient Greece—was a key subject for the statue.

– Text from a sign at the base of the above sculpture, read and translated using Google Gemini and Translate.

Sacred Kannon Bodhisattva
1937 (Showa 12), High-purity aluminum

While Kannon Bodhisattva is said to assume various forms to extend a helping hand, Sho-Kannon represents the deity's true, unchanging form.

This piece was created in 1937, a year marked by the outbreak of the Second Sino-Japanese War and the onset of an unsettling atmosphere. Its elegant and fresh appearance embodies a profound prayer for peace.

– Text from a sign at the base of the above sculpture, read and translated using Google Gemini and Translate.

Crisis of Humanity
1958 (Showa 33), Bronze

Created during the Cold War era, this work depicts a figure with a harrowing expression clutching a box-like object—an atomic bomb. It serves as a warning against the conflicts that continue to threaten global peace. Designed to stand as a counterpart to the Peace Statue, the work gives direct expression to the artist's personal emotions.

The following inscription is carved at the base.

A Crisis for Humanity
If a major catastrophe were to erupt—
if, somewhere on Earth, a single button were pressed—
any great metropolis could be obliterated in an instant.
Is it not time for all of humanity to give this serious thought?
That the actions of mankind must serve the happiness of mankind—
I cannot help but pray for this with all my heart.

– Text from a sign at the base of the above sculpture, read and translated using Google Gemini and Translate.

Lion's Roar
1939 (Showa 14), Bronze

This is a dynamic lion, baring its fangs and brimming with intense spirit.

The term *shishiku* (lion's roar) draws an analogy to the scene where surrounding animals cower and prostrate themselves in fear of a lion's ferocious roar; it symbolizes Shakyamuni Buddha preaching the Dharma with majestic confidence. With its dignified bearing and piercing gaze, it drives away all forms of evil.

– Text from a sign at the base of the above sculpture, read and translated using Google Gemini and Translate.

Nichiren Shōnin
1953 (Showa 28), High-purity aluminum

Nichiren Shonin stood firmly on the side of the common people to the very end, never yielding to oppression nor pandering to those in power. This sculpture captures him delivering a sermon with a compelling intensity born of his burning conviction. Amidst the passionate, dynamic energy of the figure, there radiates an air of stern solemnity that commands respect.

The inscription on the pedestal reads: "The Extraordinary Nichiren: A Life-or-Death Sermon Fueled by Conviction."

Created while the artist was working on the Peace Statue, this piece stands as one of his representative post-war works.

– Text from a sign at the base of the above sculpture, read and translated using Google Gemini and Translate.

Shimabara Castle Horse-Viewing Pavilion
The *Omamijo* (Viewing Pavilion) was originally built during the tenure of Lord Matsudaira Tadakazu—the domain's lord at the end of the Edo period—to allow him to observe the training of his samurai retainers. Although it currently stands a short distance northeast of the Shimabara Castle keep, it was originally located in the *Sannomaru* (Third Bailey) area, near the present-day Shimabara High School. Following the Meiji Restoration, it was relocated to Kuchinotsu Town, but was later moved back to the castle grounds in 1966.

The *Omamijo* is a single-story wooden structure featuring a gabled roof thatched with cedar bark. Its layout consists of two 4.5-mat rooms situated on either side of a central tatami-floored corridor. Large openings fitted with *shoji* (paper sliding screens) span three sides of the building: the front (west side) and both the left and right sides. Overall, the structure reflects the *sukiya* style, characterized by a framework of slender timber.

It is a valuable structure, serving as one of the few remaining historical buildings associated with Shimabara Castle. In March 2013, it was designated as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property of Japan.

– Text from a sign in front of the building, read and translated using Google Gemini and Translate.

Infinite Starry Sky (Summer Starry Sky—Infinite)
1922 (Taisho 11), High-purity aluminum

The statue radiates a sense of reverent awe as it gazes up at the infinite starry sky.

It features a composition based on a carefully calculated, stable triangle formed by the robust upper body of a man and a supple head turned intently toward the heavens.

This is a masterpiece from the artist's early period—marking his emergence as a young master—and bears the inscription "MUGEN" in Roman letters on its base.

– Text from a sign at the base of the above sculpture, read and translated using Google Gemini and Translate.

The Origin of Guzōni (1637)
Warm and comforting local cuisine from Shimabara.

It is said that during the Shimabara Rebellion, Amakusa Shiro—the supreme commander of the insurgent forces—and his 37,000 followers held out in the castle for approximately three months; they sustained themselves by stockpiling *mochi* (rice cakes) as provisions and cooking *zōni* (a traditional soup with rice cakes) using various ingredients gathered from the mountains and sea.

*Gu-zōni*—a version of this soup packed with ingredients—is said to have originated in 1813, when the first generation proprieter Koujiya Kiemon created it by applying his own creative touch to the seasoning.

– Text from the top of the menu, read and translated using Google Gemini and Translate and the “Guzōni” Himematsu-ya Main Restaurant page on Enjoy! Shimabara.

Gosan-yaki Castella with Wasanbon Sugar
Product Name: Gosanyaki Wasanbon Castella
Category: Confectionery
Ingredients: Eggs (domestic), Sugar, Wasanbon sugar, Wheat flour, Starch syrup, Honey
Net Weight: 300g
Best Before: July 20, 2026
Storage Method: Store away from direct sunlight, high temperatures, and high humidity.
Precautions: After opening, store in the refrigerator and consume as soon as possible.
Manufacturer: Matsui Shinise Co., Ltd.
Address: 1932 Edomachi, Shimabara City, Nagasaki Prefecture
TEL: 0957-62-4773

Nutritional Information
Per individual slice
Calories: 150 kcal
Protein: 3.1 g
Fat: 1.5 g
Carbohydrates: 36.9 g
Salt Equivalent: 0.1 g
These values are approximate guidelines.

Because honey is used as an ingredient, please do not feed this product to infants under 1 year of age.

– Text from the label on the packaging, read and translated using Google Gemini.

Torita Residence
An old family dating back to the early days of Lord Matsudaira, the Torita family accompanied the domain lord, moving with him to Yoshida in Mikawa province and Fukuchiyama in Tanba province, before coming to Shimabara in 1669. The family served as successive local administrators and clerks, and in the closing years of the Tokugawa Shogunate they received a stipend of 7 koku for two persons for persons allowed direct access to the domain lord and held important posts in timber administration, religious and boat traffic control. The houses in this district were for middle and lower ranking samurai and were each set in a plot of land measuring almost 300 square meters. Loquat, persimmon, orange and other fruit trees were planted on each property. The canal running down the middle of the street was used for daily water needs.

– Text from a sign.

This waterwheel was constructed in October 2012 by the Architecture and Architectural Technology departments of Shimabara Technical High School, and repairs for long-standing malfunctions and other issues were carried out by the same departments in September 2017.

– Text from the sign in front of the water wheel, read and translated using Google Gemini.

Origins of the Water Deity Shrine
In 1618, Matsukura Bungo-no-Kami Shigemasa began the construction of Shimabara Castle; however, the project was plagued by numerous casualties and engineering difficulties caused by abundant groundwater encountered while digging the moats.

To address this, a shrine dedicated to the Water Deity—originally located in Mie Village within the domain—was relocated to the castle town. The priest Shibue Gendayū was appointed to offer prayers for the project's safety, and the castle was successfully completed in 1624.

For approximately 250 years thereafter, prayers continued to be offered to safeguard the domain's water supply, including drinking water and water used for brewing sake and soy sauce, as well as for irrigation.

The current shrine structure was rebuilt in 1874 using timber salvaged from Shimabara Castle after it was decommissioned; it was relocated to this site through the dedicated efforts of the Shibue family.

The enshrined deity is Mizuha-no-Me-no-Okami.

– Text from the sign on the left, read and translated using Google Gemini and Translate.

Shinozuka Residence
The Shinozuka family lived in this house and the name Junemon was handed down as the first name for generations. Originally from Fukozu in Mikawa province (present-day Aichi prefecture), they followed Lord Matsudaira Tadafusa when he moved from Fukuchiyama in Tamba province in 1669, a domain worth 50,000 koku, to be lord of 70,000 koku Shimabara Castle and 11 generations of Shinozuka served the domain lord until the early years of the Meiji period. They received a stipend of 8 to 13 koku for two persons and worked mainly as clerks and local administrators. All the samurai houses in this district occupied an area of almost 300 square meters.

– Text from a sign.

Yamamoto Residence
(Built in 1868, first year of Meiji)

Yamamoto Sagozaemon, the founder of the Yamamoto family, became a retainer to the Matsudaira daimyo clan, first serving Matsudaira Tadatoshi, lord of Yoshida Castle in Mikawa (present-day Aichi Prefecture), who preceded Matsudaira Tadafusa. When the fifth Matsudaira lord Tadamasa was transferred to Utsunomiya han by the shogun in 1749, and the sixth lord Tadahiro was similarly transferred to Shimabara han in 1774, the Yamamoto family accompanied their lords on each move. The family served 13 generations of Matsudaira lords until the end of the Tokugawa shogunate. After the Meiji Restoration, the Yamamoto family, which had enjoyed the trust of the castle lords it served, continued for ten more generations including Yamamoto Goro and Yamamoto Hidetake.

Each successive generation of the Yamamoto family held important offices. Fifth-generation Yamamoto Shigechika is noted for obtaining an Itto-ryu swordsmanship qualification in 1790, mastery in Ogino-ryu flintlock shooting in 1804, and full mastery in daijujutsu marksmanship in 1811

The Yamamoto household received as stipend 17 koku plus a two-person allotment of rice, The gate of the residence was built with special permission by Matsudaira Tadakazu, the last castle lord the family served.

– Text from a sign.

Time Signal Bell Tower
Lord Matsudaira Tadafusa, the daimyo of the Shimabara Domain, held the view that "informing the people of the time and ensuring they observe it is essential to good governance." Consequently, in 1675 (the third year of the Enpō era), he commissioned Fujiwara Masatsugu—a master craftsman from Bungo-Takada—to cast a massive bell. He then erected a bell tower on this site, where the bell was rung at regular intervals to announce the time.

For the next 270 years, the bell became an integral part of daily life, affectionately known to the people of Shimabara as "Okami no Kane" (the Lord's Bell). However, in 1944—amidst the Pacific War—it was surrendered for the war effort, bringing its long history to an end.

The bell was restored in 1980, made possible by the aspirations and voluntary contributions of dedicated citizens; its inscriptions and decorative patterns are the work of Seibō Kitamura, a preeminent figure in the Japanese world of sculpture.

– Text from a sign, read and translated using Google Gemini and Translate.

Mother in Her Youth
Made by Seibo

– Text from the plaque below the sculpture, read and translated using Google Gemini and Translate.

A Must-Visit Before or After Strolling Through the "Town Where Carp Swim" — Tourist Exchange Center Seiryutei
It is located just north of the "Town Where Carp Swim" area. Why not ask about unique local highlights before you set off on your stroll? You might hear about spots where water bubbles up from the ground, places featuring *shimenawa* (sacred straw ropes) displayed out of season, or a *fusuma* (sliding door) that stops partway open...

It is sure to make your walk even more enjoyable as you search for the answers!

Please stop by again after your stroll. We offer a wide selection of souvenirs and crafts that Shimabara City proudly designates as "Shimabara Special Quality."

– Text from a sign, read and translated using Google Gemini and Translate.

The Original Scenery of Shimabara, the City of Water: Take a Leisurely Stroll Through the "Town Where Carp Swim"
It is said that in this Shinmachi area, spring water bubbles up if you dig just about 50 centimeters into the ground. The area is also known as the "Town Where Carp Swim"—a name that originated when local neighborhood association members released colorful carp into the waters to help nurture the children's rich sensibilities. In 1985, the site was designated as one of the "100 Remarkable Waters of Japan" under the name "Shimabara Spring Water Group."

Despite being in the middle of the city, the stream is amazingly clear, and lovely flowers bloom along the waterway.

A memorial service for carp is held every May.

Gratitude for water, and "water gods" are everywhere...but sometimes we also need a playful spirit.

– Text from a sign, read and translated using Google Gemini and Translate.

Shimeiso Spring Water Garden: Making the Most of Abundant Spring Water
"Shimeiso" was named for the magnificent views it offers in all directions. It features a pond fed by a natural spring that gushes forth approximately 3,000 tons of water daily, and the site is designated as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property and a National Monument. Colorful koi swim in the water, while irises, moss, and trees add seasonal beauty to the surroundings.

The water is so incredibly clear that it has garnered attention overseas, with people remarking that the koi look as if they are floating in mid-air.

An L-shaped veranda extends out over the pond, creating an elegant vista where the interior rooms and the garden blend seamlessly together.

– Text from a sign, read and translated using Google Gemini and Translate.

Important Notice
◎ To enhance the enjoyment of the illuminations, the venue is kept dark; please watch your step carefully.

◎ Please do not touch or climb on the illuminations.

◎ If you are accompanied by children, please hold their hands while viewing the displays.

◎ We accept no responsibility for theft, accidents, or other incidents within the venue.

Shimabara Winter Night Fantasia Organizing Committee

– Text from the sign on the right of the above photograph, read and translated using Google Gemini and Translate.

Site of Hama Castle
Origins of Hama Castle

This area once jutted out into the sea, and "Hama Castle"—built by the Shimabara clan, a powerful local family said to be a branch of the Arima clan—stood here. However, the "Shimabara Catastrophe" of 1792 (Kansei 4) caused the area to be filled in with sediment, resulting in the current topography.

During the Sengoku (Warring States) period, the Arima clan—bolstered by the achievements of leaders such as Takazumi, Suminori, and Haruzumi Arima—brought roughly the eastern half of Hizen Province under their control; the Shimabara clan served as their vanguard in these campaigns. However, the rise of Ryūzōji Takanobu in Saga checked the Arima clan's expansion, eventually confining their territory solely to the Shimabara Peninsula.

It is said that the lord at the time, Sumishige Shimabara, permitted the Christian missionary Almeida to preach and had a church constructed in this vicinity (in 1563).

In 1584 (Tenshō 12), Ryūzōji Takanobu personally led an expedition to Shimabara, clashing with the allied forces of the Arima and Shimazu clans at Okitanawate. Takanobu was killed in the battle, and Sumitoyo—the son of Sumishige Shimabara, who had fought on the Ryūzōji side—reportedly surrendered the castle and left the area.

The lord who succeeded the Arima clan was Matsukura Shigemasa; he used Hama Castle as his base of operations until the construction of Shimabara Castle was completed.

The place names "Hori-machi" and "Nakabori-machi" are derived from this castle.

A portion of the Hama Castle site became the Shimabara Municipal Dai-ichi Elementary School; following the school's relocation in 1972 (Shōwa 47), the area was converted into Chūō Park, a beloved spot for local residents.

– Text from a plaque on a stone marker, read and translated using Google Gemini and Translate.

The Origin of "Mizugashira"
Before the Shimabara Catastrophe of 1792, this area was known as "Hatoba-Mizugashira" (Pier Head) and served as the site of a maritime checkpoint; the name "Mizugashira" remains in use to this day.

In 1941, local residents collaborated to dig a well here, resulting in the natural upwelling of clear, cold groundwater—water nurtured by the lush greenery of Mount Mayuyama.

It has long been said that pouring water over this turtle statue—using a number of ladles equal to one's own age—will bring a long life.

This facility was developed to preserve this precious well and its water, which possess a rich history, as part of the prefecture's "Project to Promote Vibrant Community Development."

March 1988, Shimabara City

– Text from a sign visible by the tree in the photograph above, read and translated using Google Gemini and Translate.

Shimabara City Designated Tangible Cultural Property
"Kangiten" or "Shoten"
Statue of "Happiness Diety" or "Virtuous emperor

Kangiten is a *hibutsu* (secret Buddha image) enshrined at Kan-no-ji Temple. The statue's surface is pitch-black and coated with a sheen of oil—likely the result of the esoteric *Goma* fire ritual having been performed before it countless times.

Known in Sanskrit as *Vinayaka* (often translated as *Zobiten*, or "Elephant-Nosed Deity"), this deity is also referred to as *Shoten*.

Worshipped as a deity who grants wealth and prosperity, eliminates calamity, and ensures the fulfillment of all virtuous undertakings, the figure is depicted as a divine couple locked in an embrace. Both figures possess the head of an elephant and the body of a human; this form, featuring two elephant heads on two bodies—with one body taking a female form and the other a Bodhisattva form—is a distinctive iconographic style.

Designated on September 3, 1992
Shimabara City Board of Education

– Text from a sign, read and translated using Google Gemini and Translate.

Jisen Park
History of the Park

This area was once renowned for its tea. It served as a place of relaxation where people of old would whisk tea using the fresh spring water that bubbled up here, engaging in lively conversation while gazing out at the beautiful Shirado Pond and the spring itself.

Visitors to the estate here would say that "all the unpleasant and troublesome things of the world are washed away by the pure water," leading them to call the site "Jisen-tei" (Ear-Washing Pavilion).

Shimabara City

– Text from a sign, read and translated using Google Gemini and Translate..

Lake Shirachi and Otonashigawa River: Gifts from the Collapsed Mountain

The landslide that caused the biggest volcanic disaster in Japan
On May 21, 1792, shortly after 8 p.m., a strong earthquake occurred directly beneath the Tenguyama peak of Mt. Mayuyama, causing the southern part of the mountain to collapse. The debris avalanche and the subsequent tsunami killed about 15,000 people (known as "Shimabara Taihen" or the Shimabara Catastrophe). Ten days later, on May 30, a large amount of water gushed from a well outside the natural levee formed by the debris avalanche, and eventually a lake was created. This is the Lake Shirachi of today.

The current size of Lake Shirachi is about 75 meters wide and 200 meters long, but originally it was four times that size. Due to the emergence of Lake Shirachi, the cemetery of a temple in this area and the Shimabara Kaido Road, which was the main road of the time, were submerged under water, hindering the recovery from the disaster. It took about a year to build a channel to drain the water from the lake. This channel was named "Otonashigawa (soundless river)", since it had a gentle slope and the sound of a stream was barely heard.

The area around Lake Shirachi continues to be a rich source of water to this day. At one time, there were a sake brewery, soda-water factories, and a tea-ceremony house by the lake, and they made use of abundant spring water. Even today, the brewery still produces sake and shochu (distilled spirits), and there is also a communal washing place for washing vegetables, etc. The spring water brought about by the catastrophe still supports the lives of people here.

Abundant spring water - a blessing brought about by the landslide
The Otonashigawa River, flowing from Lake Shirachi. It was dug by hand, over a period of about one year, to drain water from the lake that submerged the Shimabara Kaido Road. As the difference of elevation to the river mouth is only 5 meters, the stream of water makes almost no sound. The water of this river as well as spring water of other spots are still used for the finishing process of dyeing.

A communal washing area by Lake Shirachi. It has been maintained by the local residents. The abundant spring water has been used to make drinks such as sake and soda-water. There was a tea-ceremony house nearby called "Jisen-tei".

– Text from the sign above.

Shirachi-ko (Lake Shirachi)
This lake was formed in 1792 (the fourth year of the Kansei era) during the massive collapse of Mt. Mayu, triggered by volcanic activity at Mt. Fugen on the Shimabara Peninsula. The cataclysmic event caused fissures to open across the area, allowing groundwater to gush forth and create a pond measuring approximately 1 kilometer from north to south and 300 to 400 meters from east to west; the water level continued to rise steadily. The domain administration mobilized 10,000 laborers from the region to construct a waterway to drain the pond's water into the sea; this waterway is known today as the Otonashi River.

Lake Shirachi covers an area of ​​approximately 10,000 square meters, with a daily spring water discharge of 40,000 tons and a water temperature of 16°C; it stands as a representative spring of Shimabara, a city renowned for its water.

In 1981, the site was designated a "Model Area for Water and Greenery Cities" by the National Land Agency, and in 1985, it was selected by the Environment Agency as one of the "100 Famous Waters of Japan." Additionally, the waterside greenway received the "Handmade Hometown Award" from the Ministry of Construction in the 1987 fiscal year.

Clear waters gush forth
Since the mountain's great collapse—
Pure, cool springs abound.
— Denshi Ei

– Text from a sign, read and translated using Google Gemini and Translate.

Hamanokawa Spring
Hamanokawa Spring is one of Shimabara's most famous spring water sites, carefully maintained by the local community. To make the most of this valuable resource, the water is channeled into a four-section pool, with each section being designated for a specific purpose, including drinking water.

This area was once part of the sea (left). However, in May 1792, a massive collapse of Mt. Mayuyama filled the coastline with debris (right). Hamanokawa Spring is one of the natural springs that appeared in the newly formed land.

"Kanzarashi" is a local specialty of Shimabara, created during the Meiji Era using water from Hamanokawa Spring. It consists of rice flour dumplings served with a sweet syrup made with spring water, sugar, and honey.

– Text from the sign above.

Washing Area Rules
1. Washing area for fish and food
2. Rinsing area for dishes and food
3. Washing area for dishes and food
4. Laundry area (Do not wash diapers, underwear, or shoes here)

This is a local treasure. Please use the facilities as shown in the diagrams, and let's all keep them clean.

Spring Water Preservation Society

– Text from the sign at upper left, read and translated using Google Gemini and Translate.

A volcanic mountain rising from a sea created by volcanoes.
Across its landscape lay a unique scenery,
shaped over ages by the interplay of nature and humanity.

– Text from the map above, read and translated using Google Gemini and Translate.

Mascot Character for the "Kingdom of Happy Yellow Trains"
Also serving as Special Stationmaster of Shimabara Station
Sacchan, the Koi Stationmaster

– Text from the center of the train, read and translated using Google Gemini and Translate.

The Shimabara Railway, where Japan's Locomotive No. 1 ran!

– Text from the side of the yellow train, translated using Google Translate.

Locomotive History
This locomotive is of the same model as the C12-type engine that played a pivotal role in hauling the Imperial train during His Majesty the Emperor's visit to the island on May 25, 1949. It covered a total distance of 853,096.8 km over a service life spanning more than 20 years. Operations ceased and the locomotive was retired to the depot in 1968, when the Shimabara Railway replaced its steam locomotives with diesel ones.

1 Model: C12 Type
2 Number: C1201
3 Maximum Dimensions: (Length) 11.35m, (Width) 2.85m, (Height) 3.90m
4 Weight: 50 t
5 Horsepower: 500 HP
6 Date of Manufacture: January 1948
7 Manufacturer: Nippon Sharyo, Ltd.

– Text from a sign posted on Google Maps, read and translated using Google Gemini and Translate.

From seed to seed.
What is displayed here is the 'the life of vegetables' born from a farm that practices traditional farming, where the process does not end with the harvest, but continues with watching over the crops until they wither, collecting their seeds, and then sowing them once more.

Vegetables, too, bloom, wither, and form seeds as their pods inflate. Stems that do not break in order to protect the seeds, fruits that lie down after fully nourishing the seeds, and then the seeds that are born to grow again and bloom. The stems that do not break in order to protect the seeds, the fruits that lie down after pouring all their nutrients into nurturing the seeds, and the seeds that are born to grow again and bloom.

By weaving the strength that life inherently holds into the future,
we are able to receive life. From this exhibit, if you can picture the landscape of a vibrant field where vegetable flowers bloom, your dining experience may look a little different.

– Text from the sign at bottom left.

Everything exhibited here originated from the vegetable fields of a single farmer, Masatoshi Iwasaki, in Unzen City, Nagasaki Prefecture, born of his year-round labor.

As vegetable varieties were selectively bred for mass production, countless delicious heirloom varieties vanished. Once a seed is lost, it is gone forever.

Amidst this trend, Mr. Iwasaki chose to "keep the seeds alive"— even though the farming process is incredibly labor-intensive, and even though his work might go unnoticed by the world. He and his wife cultivate as many as 78 different varieties of vegetables entirely on their own.

They understand the unique character of each of these 78 varieties; they do not simply harvest and move on, but remain dedicated to the crops until they wither and yield their seeds. They do this to preserve the diversity of food culture for the next hundred years. Throughout the six-month exhibition period, we will display vegetable flowers brought from Mr. Iwasaki’s fields in Unzen as they bloom. We invite you to enjoy the changing seasonal displays.

– Text from a sign near center, read and translated using Google Gemini and Translate.

Welcome to Nagasaki!
Enjoy an exciting match at Stadium City!

– Text from the blue background above, read and translated using Google Gemini and Translate.

PEACE FOREVER PROJECT
Hiroshima and Nagasaki will continue to envision "peace" together. Chugoku Shimbun × Nagasaki Shimbun

This artwork, created by the world-renowned illustrator IC4DESIGN, depicts the "peace" that the people, companies, and organizations of Hiroshima and Nagasaki have built over the 80 years since the atomic bombings. Sponsoring companies that supported the project are also illustrated within the work as participants in building this peace. In October 2025, the artworks—depicting Hiroshima and Nagasaki respectively—were published in the *Chugoku Shimbun* and *Nagasaki Shimbun* newspapers. The composition, which places the two cities side-by-side, features an "infinity" symbol (∞) at the center, representing a wish for eternal peace. Furthermore, the design includes a hidden feature: when rotated 90 degrees to the left, the number "80" emerges, signifying the 80 years since the bombings.

– Text from the label at the upper right corner of the frame, read and translated using Google Gemini and Translate.