The life-sized statues of his 72 best pupils (Photo: Tomoko Kamishima)

Nagasaki’s Confucius Mausoleum

The analects of Confucius and 72 sages

Tomoko Kamishima   - 1 min read

Nagasaki used to be the only port in Japan where Chinese merchant ships were permitted to enter. During this period (1639-1858) the Tokugawa Shogunate adopted a closed-door policy for the rest of the country. This mausoleum is one of the most beautiful Confucius Mausoleums in East Asia. Here, even today, the teachings of Confucius (551-479 B.C.) are shared with eager learners. 72 stone statues of sages (his 72 best disciples) stand in front of cloisters, showcasing the Analects of Confucius. The beauty of the many dignified structures here will surely become deeply etched in your mind.

Tomoko Kamishima

Tomoko Kamishima @tomoko.kamishima

Japan is a small island nation, but we have a huge number of surprising things to discover here. Many of these delights can be found when you step off the main street onto small side paths. I really enjoy studying about and researching various aspects of traditional Japanese culture, and then sha...