Most know of the “Kakure Kirishitan” ( 隠れキリシタン, “hidden Christian”), those members of the Catholic Church during the Edo period, mostly scattered amongst the Shimambara-Amakusa archipelago, who went underground after the Shimabara Rebellion in the 1630s when being known as a Christian became a death sentence. The area recently became a World Heritage Site.
In 1974, locals in Kawaura Machi built a large statue of St. Mary both as a warning of the inlet where it stands and as prayers of safety for their fishermen. Kumanichi reports that, a bit like Stonehenge, between late October and late November, the setting sun completely silhouettes the statue. Our photography friends with cars, be aware. More info is at the link. - William
