1. Most Rev. DOERING, Heinrich S.J. 1923-1928
   (Vicar Apostolic)
2. Most Rev. ROSS, Johannes S.J. 1928-1940
   (Vicar Apostolic)
3. Msgr. OGIHARA, Aloysius Akira S.J. 1940-1960
   (Administrator Apostolic)
4. Most Rev. NOGUCHI, Dominic Yoshimatsu 1960-1985

The Vicariate Apostolic of Hiroshima was established on May 4, 1923, when the five prefectures of the Chugoku region (Okayama, Hiroshima, Yamaguchi, Shimane, and Tottori) were separated from the Diocese of Osaka and entrusted to German Jesuits. Archbishop Heinrich Doering, S.J. was appointed the first ordinary and took up his residence as Vicar Apostolic in Okayama.

In 1928 Bishop Johannes Ross, S.J. succeeded him and moved the vicar's residence to Hiroshima. When Bishop Ross resigned in 1940, Father Ogihara Akira, S.J. became Administrator Apostolic.

On June 30, 1959, the Vicariate Apostolic of Hiroshima was raised to the status of a diocese, and Monsignor Noda Tokisuke was nominated as the first bishop but excused himself due to illness. Father Noguchi Yoshimatsu was appointed in his place and on May 8, 1960, was consecrated and took office as Bishop of Hiroshima.

Upon the resignation of Bishop Noguchi in 1985, Father Misue Atsumi was appointed Bishop on March 29. On June 16 of the same year he was consecrated and took office as the current Bishop of Hiroshima.