USPG in Japan: Then and Now

The Revd Davidson Solanki, USPG’s Senior Regional Manager for Asia and the Middle East, has recently returned from visiting our church partner, the Anglican Church in Japan – The Nippon Sei Ko Kai (NSKK). The purpose of his visit was to strengthen and deepen ties and partnerships, learn about the mission and ministry of the NSKK and to visit Theological Education Institutions (TEIs) in Japan, one of which is involved in USPG’s Asia Theological Accompaniment Programme (ATAP).  

He said, ‘This visit helped renew USPG’s historic ties with NSKK as it affirmed our commitment and solidarity with the Anglican church in Japan’s ongoing mission work. The visit to St Michael’s Cathedral and St Michael’s International School in Kobe also strengthened our bond as Bishop Hugh James Foss, of Kobe Diocese, and Miss Leonora Lea, the founder of St Michael’s International School, were both SPG (Society for Propagation of Gospel) missionaries.’ 

At St. Michael’s International School tracking the legacy of SPG missionaries like Miss Lea.

The NSKK was among the first Protestant churches established after Japan was re-opened to the world in 1854, ending 200 years of sakoku, or self-isolation. The SPG (precursor to USPG) played a pivotal role in the establishment of the NSKK in 1887. It later became a self-supporting Province in 1972. Today there are 290 churches, about 200 clergy, 11 dioceses and around 25,000 members – though numbers are on the decline. The current Primate, Archbishop David Eisho Uehara, was installed in 2024. He is also the Bishop of Okinawa.  

Davidson has been hugely inspired by the mission and ministry of the NSKK, ‘It has a unique mission among the communities affected by the nuclear disaster in Fukushima which followed the tsunami on 11 March 2011. They also advocate against the use of nuclear energy following the nuclear bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in the Second World War.  

He continued, ‘At their General Synod in 1996 the NSKK formally took responsibility for its role during the Second World War and the preceding Japanese occupation of China and Korea and Asian countries. As part of their confession, they have entered partnership with the Anglican Church in Korea where clergy from Korea are invited to serve in Japan through an exchange programme.

USPG hopes to continue this partnership in mission with NSKK as it has much to offer to the Anglican Communion through its unique mission on nuclear disarmament, peace, and reconciliation.

Davidson visited the Central Theological College in Tokyo and Bishop William’s Theological Seminary in Kyoto which relates to USPG’s Asia Theological Academy. He said, ‘These initiatives encourage the TEIs in Japan to continue their ministry even when facing difficult challenges.

Despite the small number of seminarians, hope and determination to carry on the ministry remain strong.

Outside Central Theological College with Soshi (pictured second from left) – a seminarian who took part in our Emerging Leaders Academy, a cross-cultural youth programme. Click to find out more.

Here’s how you can pray for the NSKK:  

• Give thanks and praise for the church leaders as they continue to serve God with joy and deep commitment 

• Pray for wisdom and guidance to the Church in Japan as they continue their efforts in revitalising their mission and ministry 

• Pray for God’s guidance in addressing issue of decline in the Church 

• Pray for God’s strength as the Church in Japan continues its mission on nuclear disarmament, peace, and reconciliation 
• Pray that more young people become interested in mission and join the ministry of the Church. 

To find out more about the NSKK visit their website here: About Nippon Sei Ko Kai 

Find out more about USPG’s partnership with the NSKK: Click here