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A Prayer Tour Tracing the Footsteps of the Twenty-Six Martyrs

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On this tour, we will trace the footsteps of the Twenty-Six Martyrs of Japan, worship God, and pray at places closely connected with their lives. As they journeyed toward martyrdom, what were they thinking, hoping for, and witnessing along the way?

Our tour guide will be Pastor Isaiah Makoto Kihara, author of “Martyrdom: The Hope and Joy of Heaven — The History of the Twenty-Six Martyrs of Japan and the Urakami Christians.” He will provide in-depth explanations of the stories and historical episodes of the Twenty-Six Martyrs at each location.

Would you like to join this tour? Everyone is welcome to participate. Please feel free to contact us for more information.

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山本村

 Yamamoto Mura 山本村

　Among the twenty-six martyrs, there were three young boys. The youngest among them was Ludovico Ibaraki. At this very place, he set his heart on heaven and chose the path of martyrdom.

彼杵

 Sonogi 彼杵

　Father Petro Bautista Blasquez, the leader of the twenty-six martyrs, wept here. His tears were shed for the salvation of the people of Japan.

時津

 Togitsu 時津

　The twenty-six were transported by boat from Sonogi to Togitsu at around 11:00 p.m. It was an extremely cold night. Bound in the bitter cold and rocked by a small boat, they spent the night praying and singing hymns. This was the last night they spent on earth.

西坂

 

　The hill of Nishizaka was chosen as the place of execution to serve as a public warning. However, at this very place, the martyrs worshiped God and offered praises to Him. As they did, the presence of heaven was poured out upon what had been a place of execution.