Salesians Celebrate 100 Years in Japan

Salesians Celebrate 100 Years in Japan

(ANS – Tokyo – February 10, 2026) – Amid the coldest weather of the year and falling snow, the 100th anniversary commemorative Mass of the Salesians’ arrival in Japan was solemnly celebrated on February 8 at Tokyo Cathedral. Despite the severe conditions, the cathedral was filled to capacity with Salesians, members of the Salesian Family, lay faithful, and numerous young people, creating a deeply prayerful atmosphere of gratitude, remembrance, and hope.

Cardinal Tarcisio Isao Kikuchi, archbishop of Tokyo, presided over the Eucharistic celebration, which was concelebrated by Bp. Mario Michiaki Yamanouch, SDB, and Bp. Andrea Lembo. Also present were Fr. William Matthews, SDB, regional councilor for East Asia–Oceania; Fr. Domingos Leong, SDB, provincial of China; and Fr. Marcello Baek, SDB, provincial of Korea, along with Salesians from across the region.

Prior to the Mass, students from Salesian schools offered creative presentations recalling the beginnings of the Salesian mission in Japan, including a short dramatization on the life of Fr. Vincent Cimatti, SDB, and a symbolic dance inspired by the sea voyage of the first missionaries. A letter written by Fr. Cimatti describing the circumstances surrounding the Salesians’ arrival in Japan 100 years ago was read by members of the Salesian Cooperators.

In his homily, Bp. Yamanouchi invited the assembly to “bring the heritage of these 100 years to life in the present,” encouraging the Salesian Family to read its history as a living mission and a call to renewed responsibility in today’s world.

The liturgy was enriched by the joint choirs of the Caritas Sisters of Jesus (who were founded by Fr. Cimatti) and the Salesian Sisters, accompanied by the Himonya Church Band, while a handbell performance by students of Kodaira Salesio Junior High School guided the congregation into reflective remembrance of the Salesian journey in Japan.

At the conclusion of the Mass, words of thanksgiving were offered by Fr. Atsushi Hamasaki, SDB, provincial of Japan, followed by an address from Fr. Matthews as representative of the rector major. Four young representatives then shared a message expressing their hopes and commitment for the next hundred years of the Salesian mission, which was warmly received by the assembly.

The celebration concluded with the centennial theme song, “Yume‑wo‑Tsunaide: Weaving Dreams,” filling the cathedral and bringing the historic Eucharistic celebration to a moving close.

100 years after the arrival of the first 9 Salesian missionaries led by Fr. Cimatti, this centennial celebration became a moment of profound thanksgiving and renewed commitment, affirming that the future of the Salesian mission in Japan continues to be entrusted to the shared responsibility of the entire Salesian Family.

The centennial year will conclude in October with the visit of the rector major. As the journey continues, the Salesian Family in Japan looks to the future with hope, committed to weaving Don Bosco’s dream into the lives of new generations.

Some Japanese FMAs with Fr. Matthews