Ikitsuki Island Museum – Shima no Yakata

Located on the rugged coast of Nagasaki Prefecture, the Ikitsuki Island Museum “Shima no Yakata” offers a fascinating introduction to one of Japan’s most distinctive island communities. Through engaging exhibits, visitors can explore the island’s rich whaling heritage, the enduring faith of the Hidden Christians, and the traditional fishing and farming lifestyles that have shaped local culture for centuries.

First Floor

The Story of Whaling: History, Courage, and Hope

During the Edo Period (1603–1868), Ikitsuki Island became home to the Masutomi Whaling Group, one of the largest and most successful whaling operations in Japan. Known locally as “Isana-tori” (whale hunting), this industry brought prosperity to the island and supported generations of families.
Through historical artifacts, models, documents, and interactive displays, visitors can learn how whale hunting shaped the economy, culture, and identity of the island. The exhibit highlights the remarkable teamwork, maritime skills, and resilience required to pursue whales in traditional wooden boats long before modern technology existed.

Second Floor

Island Life and Coastal Traditions

For generations, the people of Ikitsuki have depended on the sea for their livelihood. The island’s fishing industry includes a variety of methods, from large-scale offshore purse seine fishing to fixed-net fishing and traditional diving fisheries.
The importance of the sea is reflected in local festivals, ceremonies for safe voyages, and prayers for abundant catches, many of which continue today.

Second Floor

Hidden Christians of Ikitsuki Island

One of the museum’s most compelling exhibits explores the history of the Hidden Christians (Kakure Kirishitan), who preserved their faith through centuries of persecution following the prohibition of Christianity in Japan.
The Hidden Christians of Ikitsuki are especially notable for maintaining ancient prayer traditions known as Orasho, sacred chants whose origins trace back to the 16th and 17th centuries. Their religious practices preserve many elements of the early Christian communities established during Japan’s first encounter with European missionaries.
Because these traditions survived largely unchanged for generations, Ikitsuki Island has become an important destination for scholars, historians, and travelers interested in Christian heritage in Japan