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Japan

Six Japanese sisters in their chapel. The two in the front row are kneeling and making a big heart together with their outstretched arms. Four stand in a row behind them making hearts individually with their hands.

When Pope Pius XII called for evangelization in a way that respected and preserved cultures, the Sisters of St. Joseph responded. They chose to go to Japan and continue the mission Francis Xavier started in the 1540s, but with humility and respect for Japanese culture. Our sisters continue to live and minister in Japan today. This includes two new sisters: one a novice and the other in her first vows. Both have made these commitments in the last year.

A group of seven Japanese sisters--three sitting, four standing--on one side of a table marveling at a box of chocolates

In 1956, the first four sisters arrived at Yokohama Harbor, eventually settling in Kyoto. In 1959, St. Joseph Joshi Gakuen (link in Japanese), a school for girls, opened in Tsu. Since that time, many Sisters of St. Joseph have served in Japan. A number of Japanese women have also entered the community.  Eventually, the sisters in Japan determined they could better serve the dear neighbor if they handed off administrative management of the vice province. In April 2011, the Japan Vice Province became a part of the Los Angeles Province.

Two Japanese sisters, with their interpreter between them, engage in animated discussion at a round table with two other sisters.
Sisters Noriko Kuroki (left) and Christina Takeichi (center) engage in conversation at a recent Los Angeles Province meeting with the assistance of a Japanese interpreter.

Today, Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet serve in Tsu and Yokohama. The majority are involved with the school sponsored by the province, St. Joseph Joshi Gakuen. The remainder serve in the community in parish ministry, chaplaincy, prayer and teaching.

A group of three students and two teachers hold up large green banners reading "Saint Joseph" and "Walkathon"
Sister Lucia Yamada (right) participates in the annual Walkathon at St. Joseph Joshi Gakuen High School.

The sisters in Japan are the embodiment of what Pope Pius XII called for, Christians who have kept their naturally good, just and beautiful culture alive in their spirituality.

About us

The Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet are a congregation of Catholic sisters. We, and those who share our charism and mission, are motivated in all things by our profound love of God and our dear neighbors. We seek to build communities and bridge divides between people. Since our first sisters gathered in 1650, our members have been called to “do all things of which women are capable.” The first sisters of our congregation arrived in St. Louis, Missouri in 1836, and we now have additional locations in St. Paul, Albany, Los Angeles, Hawaii, Japan and Peru. Today, we commit to respond boldly to injustice and dare to be prophetic.

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