A Song for Nagasaki
Author Paul Glynn tells the powerful true story of Dr. Takashi Nagai - a scientist, convert, and survivor of the atomic bombing - who devoted his final years to healing, hope, and forgiveness. From his spiritual journey to his quiet heroism in the ruins of Nagasaki, A Song For Nagasaki offers a profound witness to peace and resilience in the face of suffering. Learn more about the book here: https://ignatius.com/a-song-for-nagasaki-snhep/
35 sesiones
1A Song for NagasakiA quick message from the publisher of A Song for Nagasaki, Ignatius Press.
A Message from the Publisher1 min
2Introduction & ForewordShusaku Endo reflects on the rare harmony between science and faith found in Dr. Nagai. He invites readers to discover a man whose quiet conviction and love offer a powerful example for both Japan and the modern world.
A Song for Nagasaki4 min
3Chapter 1The book begins with Takashi Nagai's early childhood in rural Japan, growing up in a loving but non-Christian home. He is shaped by the quiet strength of his mother, the curiosity of his father, and the beauty of the natural world around him.
Calmness, the Number One Son17 min
4Chapter 2Nagai recalls his youth at Nagasaki University: top student, driven by science and marked by his mother's death. Amid growing doubt, Pascal's Pensées enters his life. He meets Midori and attends midnight Mass, stirring a deep longing for faith.
Fireflies, Snow and a Lioness14 min
5Chapter 3Takashi and Midori grow close - he admires her faith, she supports his spiritual seeking. Both feel unworthy: he for her holiness, she for his intellect. Through shared prayer and simple devotion, their bond deepens.
Kublai Khan, Tsune and Pascal26 min
6Chapter 4Amid his conversion, Takashi faces family and cultural tension. Influenced by Urakami Christians and Father Moriyama's witness, he studies Catholic teaching. His baptism in June 1934 marks a profound turning point.
The Mouse Who Could Not See the Stars15 min
7Chapter 5As war clouds gather, Nagai serves as a medic in Manchuria. He witnesses human suffering and begins to see science's limits, trusting faith more. Returning to radiology in Nagasaki, he prepares unknowingly for a life-changing tragedy.
'Tis an Ill Wind11 min
8Chapter 6Nagai discovers the living legacy of Japan's secret Catholics in Urakami. Their quiet, enduring faith under persecution sparks in him both wonder and longing, as he begins to see Christianity as more than abstract truth.
The Hidden Christians25 min
9Chapter 7The bells of Urakami Cathedral toll in Nagai's memory - symbols of hope and belonging. Amid their deep resonance, he feels both drawn to their faith and aware of his own unworthiness, stirring a deeper spiritual yearning.
The Bells of Nagasaki17 min
10Chapter 8A dew-drenched morning glory becomes a living metaphor: fragile yet resilient. Nagai reflects on the beauty in simple creation and senses grace at work, nurturing in his heart a trust in a loving Creator.
Dew on a Morning Glory16 min
11Chapter 9As snow falls on a silent Urakami night, Nagai contemplates the gift of life bundled in a newborn's cry. Surrounded by peace and promise, he senses both miracle and responsibility stirring within him.
Silent Night and a Precious Life31 min
12Chapter 10Called to military duty, Nagai and Midori share a tender, decisive kiss before he departs. In the army - among rough men and war's shadow - his mind drifts to her prayers back home, highlighting the stark contrast between innocence and his grim reality.
The Virgin and the Prostitute19 min
13Chapter 11Nagai receives a Catholic catechism from Midori - both a gift and a reminder of her steadfast faith. In Manchuria, despite the horrors of war, he clings to hope in science. But his prayers falter, and despair creeps in amidst the suffering.
The Great Pan Is Dead9 min
14Chapter 12Back in Nagasaki, Nagai feels disillusioned. He humbles himself before Father Moriyama - a former janitor - whose simple faith and memories of hidden Christians rekindle Nagai's trust in God and divine mercy.
At the Feet of a Janitor-Sensei18 min
15Chapter 13As far-right nationalism grips Japan in the mid-1930s, Nagai faces growing prejudice. Yet his spiritual resolve holds firm. He prepares for baptism - and the term "Yellow Peril" only strengthens his empathy and determination.
White Australia and the Yellow Peril19 min
16Chapter 14Amid the storms of life, Midori blossoms: she starts a night school and tends their garden. Takashi continues radiology work, but his heart sways toward humanitarian service, inspired by their faith-rooted resilience.
Typhoons and Graceful Bamboo20 min
17Chapter 15Now married, with firstborn Makoto, Nagai serves as a surgeon in China. Amid brutal wartime suffering, he begins praying a "Christian nenbutsu" - a mantra of scripture - to find light in darkness, deepening his compassion even for Chinese soldiers.
A Christian Nenbutsu and the Dark Night20 min
18Chapter 16Takashi returns from war deeply changed. He and Midori face health struggles and family sorrow with quiet faith. Amid hardship, he senses God calling him to serve through science and suffering.
Arrogant Heike Tumble13 min
19Chapter 17Nagai grows more devoted to his medical work, now specializing in radiology. As he treats patients with compassion, he begins to suffer from radiation sickness - but continues on, moved by Christ's example.
The Machine That Turned on Its Master16 min
20Chapter 18Faith and family sustain Nagai as he faces worsening illness. He leans into prayer and finds strength in Midori's love, while their home becomes a place of healing for others.
But Midori Will Be Beside Me17 min
21Chapter 19A sudden flash transforms the sky over Nagasaki. In the chaos that follows, Nagai is caught in the devastation. Amid the smoke and sorrow, his faith is tested - and something deeper awakens within him.
When the Sun Turned Black10 min
22Chapter 20Confined to a hospital bed, Nagai turns to prayer and writing. Though physically weakened, he finds renewed spiritual strength and begins offering words of hope to a world in need of healing.
And the Rain Turned to Poison19 min
23Chapter 21As Nagai begins to recover, he reflects deeply on suffering, faith, and purpose. Friends and strangers alike are drawn to his peace, and he quietly begins to guide others through their pain.
The Last Black Hole in the Universe?9 min
24Chapter 22Nagai finds new meaning in small acts of beauty and service. Even in weakness, he continues to give - offering encouragement, prayer, and presence to those around him.
Talking Bones and a New Mantra11 min
25Chapter 23Visitors come seeking Nagai's wisdom, and he welcomes them with kindness and humility. Through simple conversations, he becomes a quiet voice of comfort and truth.
High Noon, and a Nation Wept18 min
26Chapter 24Nagai channels his thoughts into writing, capturing reflections on faith, peace, and the human spirit. His words begin to travel far beyond his home, planting seeds of hope.
Not from Chance Our Comfort Springs26 min
27Chapter 25Though confined and often in pain, Nagai radiates calm and gratitude. His days are marked by prayer, gentle humor, and a deepening awareness of life's eternal meaning.
The Parable of the Bare Hut16 min
28Chapter 26Nagai's quiet routine becomes a source of inspiration. He continues to serve through presence and prayer, trusting that love and faith can reach beyond even the smallest moments.
The Little Girl Who Could Not Cry30 min
29Chapter 27As seasons change, Nagai's spirit remains steady. Surrounded by family and friends, he shares wisdom shaped by suffering, joy, and a deep interior peace.
The Song of a Tokyo Leper12 min
30Chapter 28Gratitude fills Nagai's heart even in the face of decline. He writes with urgency and grace, hoping to leave behind a legacy of love, mercy, and unwavering trust in God.
The Bluebird Who Visited the Bear22 min
31Chapter 29Nagai reflects on his life's journey, marveling at the mystery of grace. His thoughts turn often to eternity, and he embraces each day with serenity and purpose.
The Navel of the World24 min
32Chapter 30As Nagai's strength fades, his soul seems to grow brighter. He welcomes each visitor with warmth, continuing to teach through silence, suffering, and a peaceful smile.
Cherry Blossoms Fall on the Third Day18 min
33Chapter 31In his final days, Nagai is surrounded by quiet love. His presence remains gentle and joyful, pointing others toward hope beyond this life - through faith, simplicity, and grace.
For All That Will Be, Yes19 min
34EpilogueThe story of Takashi Nagai lives on in the lives he touched. His witness - marked by faith, humility, and compassion - continues to shine quietly across time and cultures.
A Song for Nagasaki11 min
35AcknowledgementsListen to acknowledgements from the author, Fr. Paul Glynn.
A Song for Nagasaki3 min