The Statue of Ryōma’s Boots is located in the Iralin district of Nagasaki City. It is an experiential bronze monument dedicated to Sakamoto Ryōma, one of the most prominent reformists of the Bakumatsu era. The statue was erected in 1995 to commemorate the 130th anniversary of Ryōma’s founding of the Kameyama Shachu, initiated by the “Society for Revitalizing Kameyama Shachu.”
The design of the statue is unique: it features a pair of oversized boots that visitors can actually step into, along with a ship’s wheel symbolizing Ryōma’s adventurous spirit and maritime aspirations. By placing their feet inside the boots and gripping the wheel, visitors can feel as though they are embodying Ryōma and gazing out across the open sea. The soles of the boots are equipped with drainage holes, allowing use even on rainy days.
The monument stands near the Kameyama Shachu Memorial Museum (the former site of the organization). From its location, visitors enjoy panoramic views of Nagasaki Port and the cityscape, a quality that earned the statue the Nagasaki City Landscape Award.
