🗺️ Nagasaki City Kameyama Shachu Memorial Hall長崎市亀山社中記念館

In the first year of Keio (1865), Sakamoto Ryoma, with the support of the Satsuma Domain and the Nagasaki merchant Ozone, established Japan's first trading company, "Kameyama Shachu." The name "Kameyama Shachu" is derived from "Kameyama," the base of Ryoma and his companions, and "Shachu," meaning a gathering of partners. The main business focus was maritime transport and trade. The memorial hall is the site of the original trading company, which has been renovated from its dilapidated state and opened to the public in 2009. At the entrance, there is a monument commemorating the "Kameyama Shachu Ruins." The interior partitions have been restored to closely resemble their original condition, and the pillar of the tatami room where Ryoma often leaned against has also been rebuilt. Above the dirt entrance and the three tatami-sized rooms, there is a loft, which is said to have been used as a hiding place in emergencies. The hall displays items related to Ryoma, such as his favorite boots and pistol, reproduced letters, a tsuzumi (Japanese hand drum), and photographs of the Kameyama Shachu patriots. Also on display is Kameyama-yaki, which has been produced since the 4th year of Bunka (1807). It is a type of porcelain that is colored with dyes from China on white porcelain. This kiln was abandoned around the first year of Keio (1865), and the buildings related to Kameyama-yaki were relocated to Kameyama Shachu.

You can take commemorative photos at the tatami room where Ryoma often leaned against the pillar. Near the Kameyama Shachu Memorial Hall, there is a monument designed to resemble Ryoma's boots. There are replicas of kimonos displaying the Sakamoto family crest. Souvenirs related to Sakamoto Ryoma and the Kaientai are available for sale. From the porch, you can enjoy a view of the cityscape of Nagasaki.