Monument Commemorating the Origin of Contact Between the Three Nations of Japan, Spain and Mexico, Commemorative obelisk in Onjuku, Japan
The Monument Commemorating the Origin of Contact Between the Three Nations of Japan, Spain and Mexico is a white reinforced concrete obelisk that rises 17 meters above the coastal town of Onjuku. The structure stands at a significant seaside location where the histories of these three nations intersected long ago.
A shipwreck off the coast of Onjuku in 1609 brought Mexican sailors to Japanese shores, where they were rescued by local residents. This rescue event initiated an unexpected diplomatic and commercial exchange between the three distant regions.
The monument commemorates the initial encounter between Japan, Spain, and Mexico, which later led to ongoing commercial ties across the Pacific.
The monument sits in a coastal town and can be viewed from several vantage points around the area. The best access is along the pathways leading to the beach and surrounding neighborhoods.
During World War II, local residents secretly painted the white monument black to protect it from destruction. This hidden action reflected how much the community valued preserving this symbol of international friendship.
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