Nagasaki Confucius Shrine & Chinese History Museum

Confucius Shrine in Nagasaki is a Confucian memorial temple of great historical and cultural significance, located in Nagasaki City, Japan. Built in 1893 (Meiji 26) by the Qing dynasty government of China in cooperation with the local Chinese community, it is the only Confucius temple outside China that was constructed with official Chinese involvement. Its original purpose was to enshrine relics of Confucius, the founder of Confucianism. Since its establishment, the temple has undergone several renovations, including a major reconstruction in 1982 with assistance from the Chinese government and the Confucius Temple in Qufu, Shandong.

The architectural design follows traditional Chinese styles, featuring vivid colors, intricate details, and a solemn yet magnificent atmosphere. The main structures include the Hong Gate, Lingxing Gate, Ceremonial Gate, side galleries, the Hall of Great Achievement (Dacheng Hall), and seventy-two stone statues of Confucius’ disciples. Inside the Dacheng Hall stands the largest seated statue of Confucius in Japan, surrounded by the seventy-two scholar statues, creating a dignified and awe-inspiring setting. Many decorative elements were transported from China, such as glazed roof tiles, carved stone railings, dragon motifs, and even a carved marble edition of The Analects made from Taiwanese Hualien marble, symbolizing rich cultural exchange.

In 1983, the Museum of Chinese History was added next to the shrine. Its second floor exhibits treasures provided by the Palace Museum in Beijing, while the third floor displays cultural relics from the National Museum of Chinese History. The museum also preserves documents related to the Nagasaki Confucius Shrine and other notable artifacts.

Every year, on the last Saturday of September, a Confucius memorial ceremony is held here, following traditional rites to honor the philosopher’s birthday. The shrine also frequently hosts Chinese cultural performances, the most distinctive being “bian lian” (face-changing), an art form renowned for its swift mask transformations.