The Beginnings of the Japan Mission

After establishing its mission in China in 1931, the Hijas de Jesús continued seeking new fields of apostolic service. Postwar Japan, which was entering a period of peace and religious freedom, appeared to offer new possibilities for evangelization. In 1949, Bishop Yoshigoro Taguchi of Osaka invited the Congregation to send Sisters to his diocese. Information provided by Jesuit missionaries, particularly Fr. Tomás Eceizbarrena, S.J., and a meeting with Fr. Pedro Arrupe, S.J., further encouraged the project. With the assistance of Fr. José Herrero, S.J., preparations for the new foundation began, opening the way for the Hijas de Jesús’ mission in Japan.

A New Context for Mission

Japan emerged from the Second World War deeply devastated. The bombing of Tokyo and other cities had caused enormous loss of life, while industries and homes lay largely destroyed. Poverty was widespread, and the country faced the difficult task of rebuilding its society.

At the announcement of Japan’s surrender in 1945, the people initially feared the arrival of the Allied occupation forces and possible abuses. These fears, however, gradually disappeared as the American troops demonstrated a friendly attitude. The Japanese people’s deeply rooted respect for authority enabled them to accept the occupation with remarkable patience and goodwill.

The years that followed brought rapid social and political transformation. The end of the Allied occupation, marked by the signing of the Peace Treaty in April 1952, opened a new chapter in Japan’s history. This changing social climate, together with the greater freedom for religious activity, created new possibilities for the Catholic Church’s presence and evangelizing mission.

This was the historical setting in which the Hijas de Jesús began preparing to establish their mission in Japan.

II. Making Their Way and Establishing the House at Hayama

The first Hijas de Jesús arrived in Japan in 1951 and immediately began studying the Japanese language with the help of Fr. Francisco Hermoso, S.J., and the Jesuit Language School in Yokosuka. They were welcomed by the Handmaids of the Sacred Heart. On November 28, 1951, Sisters Carmen Sánchez and Concepción García Platas, also missionaries from China, joined them.

While studying Japanese, the Sisters began searching for a suitable house for their community. With the permission already granted to establish the foundation in the Vicariate of Hiroshima, Church authorities recommended a location near Tokyo to facilitate their language study and formation.

Through Fr. Hermoso, they were offered a house in Hayama, belonging to the Diocese of Yokohama. Bishop Lucas Arai made the property available to the Institute. The house, formerly belonging to the Higashi Fushimi princely family, became the first home of the Hijas de Jesús in Japan and an important base for their initial formation and missionary preparation.

In 1971, the Hijas de Jesús opened a university residence in central Tokyo to accompany young women studying in the capital. The ministry responded to the rapid transformation of postwar Japan: its growing prosperity, modernization, and increasing contact with the wider world had also brought greater materialism and declining interest in religion among young people. The residence sought to provide a Christian presence and direct accompaniment to university students.

  • May 7, 1954 — Hayama kindergarten inaugurated.
  • December 6, 1954 — purchase contract for the school property signed.
  • February 1955 — five sisters leave for Matsue to begin the new school.
  • November 21, 1955 — Novitiate of Japan inaugurated.
  • April 1956 — Shotoku School founded in Matsue.
  • 1968 — Hayama kindergarten moved into a much larger building.

TO BE CONTINUED…