An Italian Church for the Tokyo Community
Sitting on one of the many wooden pews inside Himonya Catholic Church, watching sunlight stream into the solemn sanctuary through stained-glass windows, you'd be forgiven for thinking this was a place in Europe. Though that would certainly be understandable.
While many Catholic churches around Tokyo take on a more contemporary look, this Salesian chapel located amidst a quiet neighborhood in the Meguro district was given a Romanesque style when built in 1954.
Design and construction were funded by many Italians, who drew inspiration from the Basilica di San Zeno in the northern Italian city of Verona, among others in Europe. The traditional pews are flanked by beautiful stained-glass windows presenting the life of Jesus Christ as well as symbols from the Bible and church history.
Large murals adorn the walls, the ceiling is replete with carefully hand-painted frescoes, and circular light fixtures resembling candelabra chandeliers are suspended underneath. Italian marble is also used in the altar space just before the giant crucifix that features prominently at the center of the building.
Himonya Catholic Church's roots go back to March 1948, when the Salesian Fathers of Don Bosco established their Tokyo missionary base at here. Originally centered on a two-story building that included a chapel and a rectory, the extensive premises of the mission became a playground for many children in the area. Soon after, a new kindergarten was built in 1949 and, as more people began to attend the church, the need for a larger space led to the current building's construction.
True to the focus of Saint John Bosco, the nineteenth-century Roman Catholic priest, educator, and writer who founded the Salesians of Don Bosco, Himonya Catholic Church is engaged in the development of youth and invests much effort into pastoral activities for children. In addition to the large kindergarten, the church runs an active Sunday school and many other youth activities.
According to the church, every Sunday, 100-150 children gather for the religious education known as catechesis and then play games after mass. In the afternoon, kids enjoy playing in a soccer club or a painting group. Activities extend beyond Sunday as well; the church playground is open on weekdays so that children and families can enjoy outdoor recreation.
As a place of worship to serve the community, Himonya Catholic Church also offers numerous activities and volunteer groups for adults, including the Joseph-kai men's group, the women's group, and a social welfare group that actively engages in many projects for those in need.
Pastoral care has been entrusted to Father Achille Loro Piana, a native Italian who has been a priest for over 40 years and is fluent in Japanese, English, and Italian. Father Loro Piana says that mass is celebrated four times each Sunday, at 7:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m., and 6:00 p.m.
Noting the popularity of Western-style weddings in Japan, Father Loro Piana has opened the doors of Himonya to those wishing to hold their ceremony inside a Christian church. Couples preparing to tie the knot are encouraged to meet with priests and others who can prepare them for the journey of marriage, making Himonya Catholic Church more than simply a venue.
Visitors are welcome whether they are religious or not. "We're open from 6:00 a.m to 5:30 p.m, and, every day, we have people coming in to pray--as well as a good number of people who come in just to visit," said Father Loro Piana. "Everybody is welcome, and, if they let me know beforehand, I can give a talk to them and give some words of welcome along with an explanation of the pictures they can see."
Himonya Catholic Church is accessible by both bus and train. If coming by bus, board a Tokyu bus bound for Okayama Elementary School from the west exit of Meguro Station on the JR Yamanote Line and get off at Sarejio Kyokai (about a 15-minute ride). If by train, the nearest station is Toritsu Daigaku on the Tokyu Toyoko Line. The church is a 15-minute walk from the station, and you'll spot the steeple towering over the surrounding trees when you are near.
Himonya Catholic Church
This article was written by Noam Katz.
*This article was posted on the Life in Tokyo website operated by the Tokyo International Communication Committee on October 22, 2018.