The Peace Memorial Statue stands in Nagasaki Peace Park in Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture. This monumental bronze sculpture was erected in 1955 to commemorate the victims of the atomic bombing of Nagasaki and express the city’s determination to work toward lasting world peace. It has become one of the city’s most important landmarks and a powerful symbol of remembrance, reconciliation, and hope for a world free from nuclear weapons.
The statue was created by Seibo Kitamura, a renowned sculptor who was a member of the Japan Art Academy. Standing approximately 9.7 meters tall and weighing around 30 metric tons, the imposing figure draws visitors’ attention through its monumental scale and carefully considered gestures.
The people of Nagasaki experienced the devastation of the atomic bombing firsthand. Under the slogan “Peace Begins in Nagasaki,” the city established this monument as an expression of its determination that the suffering caused by the bombing should never be repeated. The statue was completed after five years of work, supported by donations totaling 30 million yen.
Every element of the Peace Memorial Statue carries a symbolic message. Its raised right hand points toward the threat posed by the atomic bomb, while its extended left arm represents peace. The closed eyes express a solemn prayer for the souls of those who lost their lives in the bombing.
The figure’s posture combines strength with serenity. Rather than portraying peace as a passive ideal, the statue conveys a determined appeal to humanity to recognize the horrors of war and take responsibility for protecting future generations.
Visitors are encouraged to take a moment to observe the statue and reflect on its symbolism. Although its monumental size makes it an impressive work of public art, its deeper significance lies in the message it communicates about human suffering, remembrance, and the importance of peace.
The Peace Memorial Statue is located within Nagasaki Peace Park, approximately 750 meters northwest of the hypocenter of the atomic bombing. The park was developed after the war as a place of remembrance and a setting for expressing the hope that such a tragedy would never happen again.
Throughout the park, visitors can encounter monuments and sculptures dedicated to peace, including works presented by countries and communities around the world. These memorials reflect a shared international aspiration to prevent war and preserve human dignity.
The nearby Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum provides further opportunities to learn about the bombing and its consequences. Visiting the museum together with the Peace Memorial Statue and the surrounding park offers a deeper understanding of Nagasaki’s history and its continuing commitment to peace.
Every year on August 9, the anniversary of the atomic bombing of Nagasaki in 1945, the city holds a Peace Memorial Ceremony. People from across Japan and overseas gather to remember the victims, honor those who survived, and renew their commitment to a peaceful world.
The ceremony gives particular significance to the Peace Memorial Statue and the surrounding park. The site serves not only as a place to mourn those who died, but also as a setting for sharing the lessons of history with younger generations and encouraging international cooperation toward the abolition of nuclear weapons.
The Peace Memorial Statue is an essential destination for visitors wishing to understand Nagasaki’s history beyond its scenic attractions and distinctive cultural heritage. Its message extends beyond the city itself, inviting people from different countries and backgrounds to consider the human cost of war and the responsibility to protect peace.
Whether visiting as part of a historical journey, an educational trip, or a wider exploration of Nagasaki, taking time at this monument offers a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the past and consider the future. The statue continues to embody the city’s recovery from devastation and its enduring hope for lasting peace throughout the world.
10 minutes from Nagasaki Station by tram → 5 minutes on foot from Matsuyama-cho stop