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(Originally published by the Catholic Peace Broadcasting Corporation on June 24, 2025. Reposted with permission.)
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Tokyo—Japan's Catholic Church is modest in size, with approximately 500,000 adherents—just 0.5 percent of the population—compared with South Korea's 6 million-strong community. But within this small minority, the faith is deep, and devotion is unwavering.

Despite its marginal presence in a country where Christianity is far from the mainstream, the Japanese Catholic community is tightly knit and resilient. Its faithful often speak of their church not in terms of numbers, but in terms of depth of commitment and solidarity.

In a region marked by lingering historical and geopolitical tensions, Japanese and Korean Catholics have maintained steady contact and cooperation, viewing faith as a bridge toward peace. This shared outlook is set to take on new significance as Japanese youth prepare to join the World Youth Day (WYD) 2027 in Seoul—an event they see not merely as a Korean celebration, but as a regional opportunity for healing, unity, and evangelization.

A cross and icon pilgrimage sparks excitement

In April and May, WYD crosses and Marian icons visited four Japanese dioceses in a symbolic pilgrimage, drawing participation from young Catholics across the country. In Tokyo, four youth from the Cathedral parish gathered at the Shinseikaikan (“True Life Hall”), a Catholic youth center, to reflect on their experience.

Each had received commemorative keychains and badges from the pilgrimage, and though days had passed since the event, the sense of joy remained palpable.

Murayama Miyu (25), who had previously attended WYD in Lisbon in 2023, described hearing the announcement that Seoul would host the next gathering as profoundly moving. “When they named Seoul, I felt as if the event were coming to our own country,” she said.

Others expressed their anticipation less in words than in gestures. Kosaza Hijiri (22), from a devout Catholic family, responded simply: “I just want to meet Korean youth and talk with them.” He then smiled and shouted, “See you in Seoul!”

A minority within a minority

For many young Catholics in Japan, WYD offers more than an international encounter—it offers recognition. “We are a minority within a minority,” said Morita Kiri (22). “In Japan, belief in any religion is uncommon, and Catholicism even more so. Korea is also outside the traditional Christian world, and yet it's hosting a global Catholic event. That's powerful.”

He added that Seoul's selection sends an important message: “You don't have to be part of the mainstream to do something meaningful. That gave us hope.”

That hope was reflected in turnout. In the Diocese of Fukuoka, for instance, around 400 believers attended the cross pilgrimage on 29 April. For many, it was their first WYD-related experience. Komiya Ikko (23), who participated in Tokyo's 10 May event, described a deep sense of spiritual unity. “To be joined not only with those physically present, but with believers across countries who have shared in this cross—it was exhilarating,” he said.

Intimate scale, universal spirit

The participants spoke with pride about their unique church culture. “Because we're a small community, we can form deeper connections,” said Miyu. “We're closely involved in parish life, and that brings us together.”

Kiri echoed this, noting the diversity within Japan's church, which includes a large number of foreign-born believers. “It's a universal church in miniature. That's something we should embrace,” he said.

But this intimacy also comes with challenges. “Most of our friends have no religion,” Kiri explained. “So we're very cautious when we talk about faith. It can feel isolating.”

Ikko, who has participated in exchange programs with Korean Catholic youth, admitted feeling envious of their confidence. “They speak about their faith so openly. I want to learn how to do that, and I hope WYD helps me grow in that way.”

A call for reconciliation and shared witness

As Japan and Korea mark 60 years of diplomatic ties, the young Catholics emphasized the role the churches could play in reconciliation—particularly amid unresolved historical grievances.

“When we meet Korean church leaders, the topic of history always comes up,” Ikko said. “But I hope we can move from apology to dialogue based on faith. Only then can genuine fellowship emerge.”

He added, “In any conflict, those involved must speak honestly to one another. If Korean and Japanese youth take the lead—building bonds through shared faith—we can be a sign of hope, not only to our nations, but to those suffering from war and division elsewhere.”