Tokyo, 6 May 2025
In a polarised world where towering skyscrapers, cutting-edge technology, and districts seemingly plucked from the future coexist with profound social isolation—exemplified by the phenomenon of hikikomori, individuals who voluntarily withdraw from society, sometimes for years—faith continues to shine as a quiet but steadfast beacon.
A recent testimony to this enduring light came with the visit of Sister My Vu and Sister Sally, members of the Australian Delegation of the Canossian Daughters of Charity, who travelled to Tokyo to meet their fellow Canossian Sisters working in the Japanese capital, as well as various groups of young Vietnamese migrants living and working in Japan.
Catholics in Tokyo: A Small but Vibrant Flock
Japan is predominantly Shinto and Buddhist, with Catholics making up a mere 0.3% of the population. Yet the Catholic community in Tokyo, though numerically modest, is remarkably dynamic. The city’s parishes welcome not only local Japanese faithful but also an increasing number of foreign residents—most notably migrant workers from Vietnam and the Philippines—who bring with them a lively and devoted expression of faith.
Tokyo: A Metropolis of Innovation and Insecurity
Tokyo, the capital of Japan, stands as one of the world’s most advanced and pulsating urban centres. With over 37 million people residing in its greater metropolitan area, it is the undisputed engine of the Japanese economy. The city dazzles with a mesmerising blend of old and new—ultramodern architecture rubbing shoulders with ancient shrines and traditional alleyways.
Yet beneath the city’s surface of order, precision, and efficiency lie growing concerns. Chief among them is the rapidly ageing population—a demographic reality with profound implications for society. Many of the younger generation face job insecurity, intense social pressure, and isolation. Mental health struggles are on the rise, with depression, anxiety, and suicide becoming increasingly pressing issues in a society that places great value on performance and conformity.
The Canossian Mission in Japan: Quiet Yet Fruitful
The Canossian presence in Tokyo is part of a rich missionary tradition rooted in the 19th-century charism of Saint Magdalene of Canossa. The Sisters are committed to education, care for the poor, and youth ministry—offering both spiritual and human support to local and migrant Catholic communities. In Japan, where foreign workers and students often experience loneliness and cultural displacement, the Canossian mission is a vital source of companionship, comfort, and pastoral care.
Following their initial meetings in Tokyo, Sister My Vu and Sister Sally journeyed to the southern island of Kyushu, where they were warmly welcomed by large Vietnamese Catholic communities. There, they participated in Mass and encountered a vibrant network of faithful whose numbers continue to grow across the region.
Vietnamese Catholics in Japan: Faith Amidst Adversity
In recent years, Japan has witnessed a substantial rise in its Vietnamese population, particularly among young people who have come for employment or study. Estimates suggest that over half a million Vietnamese nationals now reside in the country, many working in factories, hospitality, or other service sectors. Despite linguistic and cultural barriers, these young people remain profoundly anchored in their faith. Catholic parishes have become sanctuaries—places not only of worship but also of welcome, dignity, and community.
The Canossian Sisters are a constant presence in this landscape, offering essential spiritual direction and tangible support, helping these young migrants retain their faith and sense of belonging amidst the uncertainties of displacement.
A Quiet Hope
In a city of frenetic pace and dazzling lights, the silent, faithful presence of the Canossian Mothers and the foreign Catholic communities speaks volumes. It is a quiet hope, a living Gospel, embodied in daily acts of compassion and accompaniment. Their work builds bridges not merely across cultures but also between the heart and the divine.
The visit of Sister My Vu and Sister Sally stands as a poignant reminder of a Church that walks with the marginalised, listens with gentleness, and brings comfort to those seeking light in the midst of modern solitude. In Tokyo—one of the most complex and captivating cities on earth—faith continues, quietly but insistently, to offer a home.
