Nov 24, 2012 - 1 min read

Nagasaki’s Confucius Mausoleum

The analects of Confucius and 72 sages

By Tomoko Kamishima

Community writer

The life-sized statues of his 72 best pupils

A vivid impression of colors

The roof of the gate

72 sages show their unique personalities

The beautiful gate of the Mausoleum

A pair of lions protect the Mausoleum

One of the sages, deep in contemplation

The Analects of Confucius to the left, behind glass, on the walls of the cloister

I tried calligraphy at the writing desk of the cloister. Nice?!

Golden statue of Confucius

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.

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Tomoko Kamishima

By Tomoko Kamishima

Community writer

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