Teiseiko Memorial Park: A Tribute to Koxinga in Hirado

Teiseiko Memorial Park, located in Kawachicho, Hirado, Nagasaki, is a poignant tribute to Zheng Chenggong, also known as Koxinga, a pivotal figure in 17th-century East Asian history. Born in Hirado to a Japanese mother and a Chinese merchant father, Zheng Chenggong played a crucial role in resisting the Qing dynasty and later liberating Taiwan from Dutch rule. He is revered as a hero in Taiwan and China, and his story is also known in Japan through Chikamatsu Monzaemon's puppet play, "The Battles of Coxinga".The park itself offers a tranquil and reflective atmosphere. Lush greenery, well-maintained pathways, and seasonal floral displays create a serene environment for leisurely strolls and quiet contemplation. Visitors can explore the park's grounds, discovering historical plaques and monuments that detail Zheng Chenggong's life and legacy.Key features within the park include a mausoleum enshrining Zheng Chenggong's spirit, which was moved from Maruyama Park in April 2024 to a new building constructed on the site of his birth home. The park also contains the Zheng Chenggong Birth Stone, said to be the stone his mother leaned on while giving birth to him on Senrigahama Beach. Additionally, a statue of Zheng Chenggong, donated by Nanan City in China, symbolizes the sister city relationship between Nanan and Hirado. The nearby Zheng Chenggong Memorial Museum showcases artifacts and exhibits related to his life and achievements.