Shitsu Church, Catholic church in Kobadira Village, Japan.
Shitsu Church is a brick and plaster building in Kobadira Village featuring two distinct bell towers and a low roof structure. The design was created specifically to withstand the powerful coastal winds of the region.
The church was founded in 1882 by French missionary Marc Marie de Rotz, following Japan's lifting of its ban on Christianity. This opened the way for long-hidden believers to practice their faith openly.
The church represents the shift from hidden faith to open Catholic practice in Japan. Visitors can observe how this place became a space where the community could worship openly without fear.
The site is located northwest of Nagasaki and can be visited by notifying in advance. Visitors should check access conditions ahead of time to ensure the building is open when they plan to visit.
The building merges European church design with Japanese construction methods, creating a rare architectural blend of the era. This fusion reflects how new influences took root in Japan during this transformative period.
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