‘First’ church in Japan celebrates 150th anniversary

By Mark Saludes, LiCAS News

Known also as the Old Cathedral of St. Joseph, Tsukiji Church stands as the first Catholic church in Tokyo, Japan.

Established in November 1874 by the Paris Foreign Missions Society, a Roman Catholic missionary organization, the church initially served as the cathedral for the bishop of Tokyo, marking the seat of the Apostolic Vicariate of Northern Japan.

With the establishment of the Archdiocese of Tokyo in 1891, Tsukiji Church functioned as the cathedral until 1920, after which the cathedral status was transferred to Sekiguchi Church (St. Mary’s Cathedral).

The church was destroyed in the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 and subsequently rebuilt in 1927. Its design, inspired by St. Madeleine Cathedral in Paris, mirrors the classical structure of an ancient Greek temple, with a facade featuring six Doric columns and a gable adorned with carvings of lilies and roses. On June 1, 1999, Tsukiji Church was recognized as one of Tokyo’s historical buildings.

In his homily, Archbishop Kikuchi noted that the Tsukiji Church was founded during a period when it was still difficult for Christians to operate freely, highlighting that it was only in 1873 that the ban against Christianity was lifted.

He reflected on the severe hardships faced by early missionaries, saying, “150 years ago, both the missionaries and the faithful must have faced difficulties that are unimaginable to us today.”

Holy Mass celebrating Tsukiji’s 150th anniversary. Photo by Archdiocese of Tokyo

He emphasized the foundation of hope and collaboration between foreign missionaries and Japanese believers upon which the church was built.

Addressing broader societal challenges, Archbishop Kikuchi remarked that the Catholic Church in Japan is grappling with issues such as a declining population and an aging society. 

“The church exists in this reality, so it has become a church centered on the elderly. What was once possible is no longer feasible. This is a concern, but just like the missionaries 150 years ago, we are hopeful amid these concerns,” he said.

Archbishop Kikuchi also lamented the broader societal challenges, including conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, and the lack of peace in Myanmar, a sister church of the Tokyo Diocese. 

“Churches in Myanmar raising their voices for peace have even been subjected to armed attacks. It appears the world is increasingly dominated by violence that disregards life. In such situations, what can a diminishing church do? It’s easy to feel powerless,” he said.

However, he reminded the faithful that the first missionaries advanced Christianity amid persecution by steadfastly moving forward. 

“When we feel powerless, the temptation is to retreat to past glories rather than forge ahead. But time only moves forward. Going backward is not an option,” said the prelate.

Archbishop Kikuchi urged the Catholic faithful to move forward with a positive attitude. “Let us be a church that shines the light of hope. This light is kindled by our mutual support, our synodality, our solidarity, and most importantly, the presence of the Lord walking with us,” he said. 

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