Japan
2025.4.27-5.11
In the Beginning…
(Belina Seongmee Song) After learning that I would have the chance to go on a journey of faith to Japan, a country I had always known only as a travel destination, I wasn’t sure how to prepare. In a country where less than one percent of the population is Catholic, how do they keep the faith? How do the young people there encounter God? These were the questions in my heart. Embracing the unknown, I resolved to simply share the love and joy I had received from the Lord and so set off on the journey with a smile.
(Cecilia Hyesoo Ahn) At the start of the Jubilee year, I was wondering what exactly it was I wanted from my life. On the journey to find the answer, I discovered the truth that to be human is to be a pilgrim, and I decided to follow the light. I believe that if we walk with other young people who share our faith, we enlighten each other and the light becomes clearer. Following the hope of the Lord, I want us to lean on each other through the love that we share.
Our Pilgrimage Together
Over 300 believers from the Nagasaki Ecclesiastical Province (Nagasaki, Fukuoka, Oita, and Kagoshima dioceses) filled the Fukuoka Seminary, which is now empty of seminarians. We first carried the large Cross together, walking across the broad campus. The love of God, which excludes no one, was present with everyone walking and singing hymns.
After the procession, we laid the cross before the statue of Mary and joined our hearts in venerating the Cross. During the Mass that followed, we served with the young Japanese people in the offertory and the Prayers of the Faithful, experiencing true unity in faith. I can still recall an elderly man embracing the Cross and weeping after Communion. In that moment, I could sense that Jesus, who comforted the women of Jerusalem, continues to comfort us unceasingly even now.
Later, Father Shin Dong-hwi, originally from the Diocese of Incheon but now currently ministering in Kumamoto, and Father John Sakurai Naoaki, the parish priest, thoughtfully arranged a meal with the young people of Kumamoto. Thanks to the thorough preparation of both priests, we were able to relax, converse comfortably, laugh, and fully focus on this time of fellowship. Though we live our faith in different cultures, we quickly became friends through our shared beliefs. We marveled at the mystery of faith that bound us together and spent time filled with joy.
Let’s Hear from the Locals
The WYD Cross was truly massive, and lifting it was incredibly heavy. However, it was a precious experience to sing together as we carried it. I had a wonderful time meeting the young people from across the diocese who had gathered after so long. When I gave the origami letters I had prepared to the young Koreans who were visiting, seeing their eyes light up with delight made me feel happy and warm. I hope to see you again!
(Fukuoka/Clare Hiroki Mori)
This was my first time seeing the WYD Cross in person. I was unable to contain my emotions at seeing it, as it is such an enormous and majestic cross. The time spent carrying it with others and walking in prayer is an unforgettable memory of special prayer. Afterwards, a change occurred within me regarding my attitude towards prayer. Before this, I hadn't had enthusiasm to pray, but this experience has led to a deepening of the desire to pray more and pray for others.
(Kumamoto/Francisco Miné Yusuke)
Creating WYD Seoul 2027 Together
We’ve been holding joint camps and retreats to help young people in the diocese get to know each other and encourage participation in World Youth Day. In November 2025, we visited the Diocese of Incheon, continuing relationships that had been built through ongoing contact over the course of the year. There, we deepened our friendship through meetings, sharing, and celebrating Mass with other young people. In addition, at the Kataranto Youth Center, we’ve prepared various programs, including Korean language classes, to encourage broad participation in World Youth Day.
(Fukuoka/Maria Bernadette Furukawa Maino)
Through the pilgrimage of the Cross and Icon, I felt once again the importance of cooperation and attending Mass. We in the Kumamoto Youth Group frequently seek opportunities to unite as a community through summer camps for middle and high school students and
other activities.
I believe those times of togetherness will be part of the journey to encounter Jesus at WYD Seoul 2027, and we’re working hard to continue
this journey. Overall, while meeting lots of people and having a fun time in the youth group is important, I believe that attending Mass together plays a crucial role in connecting us through faith.
(Kumamoto/ Francisco Toya Ippei)
Text and photos: Belina Seongmee Song, Cecilia Hyesoo Ahn