The artist Seibo Kitamura was a native of Nagasaki Prefecture and worked on the statue for five years.
The statue’s face was modeled after the artist's own features, and the legs were designed based on a fusion of Japanese and Western styles.
The base of the statue features a plaque with an inscription by the sculptor detailing the symbolic meanings of the body positioning.
The statue weighs approximately 30 tons.
The Peace Park was intentionally built on the site of the former Urakami Prison, which was destroyed by the atomic bomb.
The statue serves as the focal point for the Nagasaki Peace Memorial Ceremony held annually.
The Peace Statue in Nagasaki is a bronze sculpture created by Seibo Kitamura to symbolize the yearning for lasting world peace and the resilience of atomic bomb survivors. Located within the Nagasaki Peace Park, the 9.7-meter-tall figure sits on a black marble pedestal near the hypocenter of the 1945 atomic explosion. The statue’s right hand points to the sky, representing the threat of nuclear weapons, while the horizontal left hand symbolizes eternal peace. Its closed eyes serve as a prayer for the victims of the disaster. The monument is the centerpiece of a larger park complex containing fountains, gardens, and various memorials dedicated to global harmony. It was unveiled on August 8, 1955, coinciding with the tenth anniversary of the bombing. The surrounding park serves as both a public space and a site for annual memorial ceremonies. The statue is constructed from bronze and faces the direction of the blast site.
From the ground level directly in front of the statue to capture both the pedestal and the figure in full.
Visit the nearby Atomic Bomb Museum to understand the historical context of the statue.
Take time to walk the full perimeter of the park to view the diverse collection of international statues donated by sister cities.
Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Urakami Cathedral ruins.
Treating the memorial as a playground; avoid loud conversation or climbing on any park structures.
Maintain a quiet, respectful demeanor suitable for a memorial site.
