Catholic Yamada Church

Overview

Catholic Yamada Church is a church built in the Taisho era (1912-1926) located on Ikitsuki Island in Hirado City, Nagasaki Prefecture. Ikitsuki Island is known as a place where hidden Christians continued their faith, and the history of Yamada Church reflects the depth of that faith. The church is built in the Romanesque style with bricks, designed by Yosuke Tetsukawa, who designed many other church buildings. Inside, the church captivates visitors with artwork depicting the Seven Sacraments, created using butterfly wings collected from around the world. This artwork was personally crafted by the then-chief priest, Father Kunio Karasuyama, who collected the butterflies himself. It conveys the profound Catholic faith and Father Karasuyama's artistic talent. In the church's forecourt stands a monument commemorating the canonization in 1987 of Saint Thomas Nishi, a native of Ikitsuki Island. Thomas Nishi was a Catholic believer born on Ikitsuki Island who went to Manila to study theology before returning to Japan for missionary work. However, he was arrested during the Edo period's ban on Christianity and martyred after torture. Thomas Nishi's martyrdom was a great tragedy for the people of Ikitsuki Island, but it also demonstrated the strength of their faith. A visit to Yamada Church offers a glimpse into the rich history and culture of Ikitsuki Island. In the church's quiet atmosphere, contemplate its history and feel the depth of faith.