Bronze statue of Ryōma Sakamoto

This bronze monument shows Ryōma Sakamoto in traditional samurai dress, standing with a view toward the harbor from Kazagashira Park. The figure is positioned on a plaza that offers sight lines across the water and the city beyond.

The monument was created by sculptor Kazukuni Yamazaki and inaugurated in 1989 to commemorate Sakamoto's founding of Japan's first trading company in Nagasaki. Its creation occurred during a period when Japan was reassessing its national heritage.

The statue reflects how Nagasaki honors its role as a harbor city and site of transformation in Japanese history. Visitors can sense the connection between this individual figure and the broader importance of the region in opening Japan to the world.

The monument is a five-minute walk from Kazagashirayama Bus Stop and sits on an elevated plaza with clear views toward the harbor. The nearby Kameyama Shachu Museum and other historical sites are easily accessible by foot from this location.

The funds for this monument came from donations across Japan, showing how Sakamoto continues to inspire people nationwide. The support from many regions highlights his lasting impact as a business pioneer.

Location: Nagasaki

Inception: May 21, 1989

Creator: Kazukuni Yamazaki

Made from material: bronze

Address: 3 Chome-6 Irabayashi, Nagasaki, 850-0802, Japan

GPS coordinates: 32.74581,129.88589

Latest update: December 13, 2025 12:40