Congregants From Every Continent Pray and Prepare

Quite unexpectedly we discovered an  international, ecumenical Christian church along one of Tokyo's most fashionable streets.   Looking like a classy storefront along glitzy Omote-Sando street beside such high fashions as Prada, Gucci and Dior, it is easy to miss.   The church continues a strong tradition of meeting the spiritual and physical needs of many in the Tokyo area.  Despite past hardships, this vibrant congregation has now moved into its 142nd year.    This is the story of its fascinating history...

Tsukiji Fish Market

In 1860 foreigners gained the freedom to practice Christianity and "erect suitable places of worship" in Japan.  (Formerly these were crimes punishable by death.) The Japanese and U.S. governments made a Treaty of Amity and Commerce opening Tokyo to foreigners.  However, alien-residents were confined to reclaimed land called Tsukiji, today the world's largest fish market.

By 1870 missionaries of various Protestant denominations began holding services for 'Union Church,' as they called it.  With donations from diplomats, businessmen and missionaries, the first church building was erected in Tsukiji with services in Japanese for Japanese and foreign Christians. The congregation met there until 1902 when the government allowed foreigners to live outside of Tsukiji.  Many members moved out and the church soon followed.

After the 1923 earthquake devastated Tokyo, the church bought the present-day site along Omote-Sando street.

During World War II, Tokyo Union Church came under the care of a Japanese pastor.  The congregation struggled to remain a spiritual entity and resisted strong pressures by the government to secularize.   On May 25, 1945 the building was completely gutted during a fierce bombing raid.  But just six years later the building was restored and rededicated.  During the post-war years increasing numbers of professional people arrived in Tokyo and consequently the role of missionaries decreased.  The expanding congregation then received its first full-time ordained minister.  

While the street on which the church is located is described as one of the "foremost architectural showcase streets in the world," this congregation has continued to care for the poor.  For example, they prepare daily meals and tea for the homeless.  As a whole, Japanese people view the homeless as  responsible for their own plight, as the result of laziness, and so do not look kindly upon Christians "encouraging" homelessness through feeding programs.    
English-language services include instrumental music, a sanctuary choir, a lively gospel choir, and even a ballet company!  Congregants come from Japan, China, S. Korea, India, the Philippines, the Americas, Europe, and many countries of Africa--representing all continents (Doug will represent Antarctica). Each contributes richly to the tapestry of worship and ministry life.