AN OVERVIEW OF THE HISTORY OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH IN JAPAN 1945-1993

AN OVERVIEW OF THE HISTORY OF
THE CATHOLIC CHURCH IN JAPAN

1945-1993

YEAR	DATE	JAPANESE CATHOLIC CHURCH HISTORY
1945	Feb.6	The office of the Nippon Katorikku Kyodan cautions priests and nuns to be circumspect about what they say or do.
	Feb.25	"The Japan Catholic Newspaper" suspends publication.
	From March	A large number of churches, convents, hospitals, etc., destroyed in fires caused by the repeated bombing raids on Tokyo.
	Mar.9	The Offices of the Nippon Katorikku Kyodan destroyed by fire and the headquarters are transfered to the convent of the Sisters of St. Paul de Chartres.
	May 21	The reappointment of Archbp. Doi Tatsuo as head of the Nippon Katorikku Kyodan approved by the Ministry of Education (for a four-year term).
	May 25	The Nippon Katorikku Kyodan relocated to Sekiguchidai (Koishikawa-Ku, Tokyo).
	Aug.18	Msgr. Toda Tatewaki dies and Archbp. Doi Tatsuo appointed pro tempore ordinary of Yokohama.
	Nov.28-30	Extraordinary meeting of the Japanese Hierarchy. The "Nippon Tenshu Kokyo Kyodan" dissolved. A decision made to establish an Inter-Diocesan Conference of the Japanese Hierarchy. "The Japan Catholic Newspaper" renamed "The Catholic Weekly". The decision made to renew the publication of the newspaper as the official publication of the Inter-Diocesan Conference of the Japanese Hierarchy. The editing of the paper put in charge of the Conference; the publishing to be done by the Society of St. Paul.
	Dec.1	Inauguration of the Inter-Diocesan Conference of the Japanese Hierarchy.
	Dec.1	Meeting of the council of the Inter-Diocesan Conference of the Japanese Hierarchy.
	Dec.1	Classes resume at Tokyo Major Seminary.
	Dec.3	Msgr. Uchino Sakuzo appointed prefect apostolic of Urawa.
	Dec.19	The first meeting of the department heads of the Inter-Diocesan Conference of the Japanese Hierarchy.
1946	Jan.	The committee established for the revival of the Church commences activities.
	Jan.16	Second meeting of the department heads of the Inter-Diocesan Conference of the Japanese Hierarchy.
	Jan.20	Bp. Fukahori Sen'emon of Fukuoka appointed to serve also as administrator apostolic of Miyazaki.
	Feb.10	"The Catholic Weekly" resumes publication.
	May 8-10	Meeting of the Inter-Diocesan Conference of the Japanese Hierarchy.
	Jul.4	Bps. J. O'Hara and M. Ready of the U.S. visit Japan.
	Aug.	Arrival of Catholic relief goods from the U.S.
	Nov.26	Cardinal Gilroy of Australia visits Japan.
	Dec.1	"Seibo no Kishi" (Knights of Our Lady) magazine resumes publication.
1947	Jan.	The Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith (now the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples) entrusts the direction of the Tokyo Major Seminary to the Society of Jesus.
	Mar.13	Msgr. Wakita Asagoro appointed ordinary of Yokohama and ordained bishop May 27.
	May 15	The major seminary in Tokyo reopens.
	Apr.16	The opening of the major seminary in Fukuoka.
	May 19-22	Meeting of the Japanese Hierarchy [formerly the Tenshu Kokyo Kyoku Renmei] which is renamed the "Inter-Diocesan Conference of the Catholic Church". The decision made to transfer the control of "The Catholic Weekly", which had been entrusted to the Society of St. Paul, to the publishing department of the Bishops' Conference.
	May	Inauguration of the National Christian Council of Japan (NCC).
	Sept.8	Archbp. A. Chambon, former bishop of Yokohama and Tokyo, dies.
	Nov.11	Completion of the new office building for the Inter-Diocesan Conference of the Catholic Church (10-1 Rokubancho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo).
1949	Jan.21	Msgr. Felix Ley appointed administrator apostolic of the Ryukyus.
	Apr.25	Apostolic delegate, Archbp. M. de Furstenberg arrives.
	May29-Jun.12	Celebration of the 400th anniversary of St. Francis Xavier's arrival in Japan.
1950	Apr.	The editing and publishing of "The Catholic Weekly" entrusted completely to the Society of St. PaJul. Many missionaries expelled from China come to Japan.
	Jul.12	The Apostolic Prefecture of Kyoto elevated to a diocese. Msgr. Furuya Yoshiyuki appointed ordinary and ordained bishop Sept. 21.
	Dec.13	Fr. Arai Katsusaburo appointed ordinary of Yokohama and ordained bishop FFeb. 24, 1952.
1952	Jan.	Establishment of formal diplomatic relations between Japan and the Vatican. Archbp. de Furstenberg elevated to the rank of apostolic internuncio.
	Mar.31	Establishment of the Japan Cultural Broadcasting Co. [Bunka Hoso]. Evangelization through mass-media increases.
	Apr.22-25	Meeting of the Japanese hierarchy held to register the Inter-Diocesan Conference the Catholic Church as a religious corporation. The new title is "Religious Corporation - Committee of the National Catholic Hierarchy".
	Dec.11	The vicariate apostolic of Sapporo made into a diocese. The district of Hakodate, formerly belonging to Sendai, incorporated into the diocese of Sapporo. Fr. Tomizawa Takahiko appointed ordinary and ordained bishop Mar.19, 1953.
1953	Mar.13	Msgr. Noda Tokisuke appointed prefect apostolic of Niigata.
1953	Dec.3	The "Marian Year" begins and continues until DDec. 8, 1954.
1954	Mar.1	Fr. Kobayashi Arikata appointed bishop of Sendai and ordained May 3.
	Apr.	Meeting of the Japanese Hierarchy and the Religious Superiors' Conference.
	Aug.6	Dedication of the Peace Memorial Cathedral in Hiroshima. This year the Pontifical Mission Society of Holy Childhood established.
1955	Feb.25	The vicariate apostolic of Kagoshima made into a diocese. Fr. Satowaki Asajiro appointed first bishop and ordained May 3.
	May 8	Amami Oshima and the other southwestern islands restored to Japan and become part of the diocese of Kagoshima.
	Oct.30	The promulgation of the hierarchy's declaration on Catholic education.
1956	Aug.21	The first National Congress of Catholic Railway Workers. During this year there is an anniversary celebration of the founding of the Legion of Mary. The 400th anniversary of the death of St. Ignatius Loyola also observed.
1957	May 3	The first National Congress of Catholic Nurses Association (Yokohama).
	May 9	Card. J. Frings of Cologne visits Japan.
	Dec.16	The vicariate apostolic of Urawa elevated to the rank of diocese.
	Dec.24	Fr. Nagae Satoshi appointed as first bishop of Urawa Diocese and ordained Apr. 13, 1958.
1958	Apr.15-18	Meeting of the Japanese Hierarchy.
	Oct.18	The Japanese vice-province of the Society of Jesus raised to the rank of a province, with Fr. Pedro Arrupe as the first provincial.
	Oct.19	The historic remains of the sites of martyrdom of Christians during the Genna Era (1616-1624) designated a Cultural Asset of the Metropolis of Tokyo.
1959	Mar.12	Card. Agagianian, prefect of the Congregation of the Propagation of the Faith (now the Congregation for Evangelization of Peoples) visits Japan.
	May 4	The diocese of Nagasaki elevated to an archdiocese, with Bp. Yamaguchi Aijiro as first archbishop.
	Jun.30	The vicariate apostolic of Hiroshima raised to the rank of a diocese.
	Nov.1	The Urakami Cathedral in Nagasaki rebuilt.
	Dec.19	Fr. Noguchi Yoshimatsu appointed bishop of Hiroshima and ordained May 8, 1960.
1960	Jan.18	The apostolic internuncio, Archbp. de Furstenberg, leaves Japan.
	Mar.28	Archbp. Doi Tatsuo named first cardinal of Japan.
	May	Archbp. D. Enrici appointed apostolic internuncio.
	Nov.10	The first conference held to study Catholic Welfare activities.
1961	Nov.7	Association of Religious Congregations of Women in Japan formed.
1961	Dec.22	The prefecture apostolic of Miyazaki becomes the diocese of Oita, with Fr. Hirata Saburo the first bishop ordained Mar. 28, 1962.
1962	Apr.16	The prefecture apostolic of Nagoya made into a diocese, with Msgr. Matsuoka Magoshiro the first bishop ordained Jun. 3.
	Apr.16	The prefecture apostolic of Niigata made into a diocese, with Fr. Ito Shojiro the first bishop ordained Jun. 14.
	Apr.29-May 6	Celebration of the 100th anniversary of the re-establishment of the Church in Japan (at Yokohama).
1963	Sept.13	The prefecture apostolic of Shikoku made into the diocese of Takamatsu, with Fr. Tanaka Eikichi the first bishop ordained Oct. 20.
1964	Nov.25	Third session of Vatican II closes and the Japanese bishops publish a message.
1965	Jan.	The Committee for the Liturgy of the Japanese Bishops publishes its policy on the celebration of Mass.
	Mar.	The Vatican approves the Japanese Federation of Religious Congregations of Women.
	Oct.4	Card. Doi Tatsuo, representing Asia, accompanies Pope Paul VI on his visit to the U.N.
1966	Jan.1	Special Holy Year following the Vatican Council (until Dec. 8).
	Mar.8-19	The Japanese Bishops hold a study session to deal with ways to implement the decisions of Vatican II.
	Mar.15	Fr. Shirayanagi Seiichi appointed auxiliary bishop of Tokyo Archdiocese and ordained May 8.
	Mar.17	Launching of the Superiors' Conference of Japan.
	May 10-13	The Japanese Bishops meet for the formation of the Bishops' Conference of Japan and the organization of the Episcopal Committees.
	Jun.14	The internunciature to Japan elevated to a nunciature. Archbp. M. Cagna installed as pro-nuncio.
	Nov.8-11	Plenary assembly of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Japan.
1967	Jan.28	Holy See approves the new constitution of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Japan.
	May 17-25	Ordinary assembly of the Catholic Bishops' Conference. Election of executives for the Conference. -President: Card. Doi Tatsuo. -Vice President: Bp. Taguchi Yoshigoro. -Standing Committee members: Bps. Arai Katsusaburo, Nagae Satoshi, Kobayashi Arikata. Approval of the new catechism based on the spirit of Vatican II. *Approval of the revised lectionary for Mass (scripture readings for Sundays and feast days).
	Aug.17-19	Extraordinary assembly of the Bishops' Conference. During this year an ad hoc committee formed for preparation of the 1970 World Fair (Expo) in Osaka.
1968	Jan.7	First "Prayer for Peace" in Tokyo.
	Jan.19	First national meeting of diocesan chancellors.
	Jan.23-25	Extraordinary assembly of the Bishops' Conference.
	May 14-22	Ordinary assembly of the Bishops' Conference.
	Jun.9	Administrator apostolic of the Ryukyus, Msgr. Ley, ordained bishop and becomes a member of the Bishops' Conference.
	Dec.9	Bp. Satowaki Asajiro of Kagoshima appointed archbishop of Nagasaki and installed May 16, 1969.
1969	May 13-22	Ordinary assembly of the Bishops' Conference. Establishment of a liaison organization with the Pontifical Council for the Laity. Establishment of a office for cooperation in world evangelization. Establishment of Caritas Japan. Approval for establishing the Japan Ecumenical Association. Approval of a contract between the archdiocese of Tokyo and the Maryknoll Missioners on establishing the YBU (Good Shepherd Movement) in Tokyo.
	Jun.24	Osaka made into an archdiocese, with Bp. Taguchi Yoshigoro as first archbishop.
	Jun.26	Fr. Soma Nobuo appointed bishop of Nagoya and ordained Sept. 15.
	Aug.12-14	Extraordinary assembly of the Bishops' Conference.
	Nov.15	Aux. Bp. Shirayanagi Seiichi appointed Coadjutor archbishop of Tokyo.
	Nov.15	Bp. Hirata Saburo of Oita appointed ordinary of Fukuoka Diocese. Fr. Hirayama Takaaki appointed bishop of Oita and ordained Jan. 25, 1970. Fr. Itonaga Shin'ichi appointed bishop of Kagoshima and ordained Jan. 18, 1970.
1970	Jan.29	First general assembly of Caritas Japan.
	Feb.5	Fr. Hamao Fumio appointed auxiliary bishop of Tokyo Archdiocese and ordained Apr. 29. Fr. Yasuda Hisao appointed auxiliary bishop of Osaka Archdiocese and ordained Mar. 21.
	Feb.21	The death of Card. Doi Tatsuo of the archdiocese of Tokyo.
	Apr.29	Installation of Bp. Shirayanagi Seiichi as archbishop of Tokyo.
	May 19-28	Ordinary assembly of the Bishops' Conference. Fr. Matsumura Sugakazu of Yokohama Diocese appointed secretary general of the Bishops' Conference. Approval and initiation of the project for the ecumenical translation of the Bible. Permission granted for the Church in Japan to join the Confederation of Japanese Christian Churches. The Episcopal Committee on Justice and Peace officially recognized. "The Catholic Weekly" again entrusted to the Society of St. PaJul.
	Nov.10-12	Extraordinary assembly of the Bishops' Conference. *Reorganization of the episcopal committees. The Committees on Administration and Legislation combined. The Committees on Doctrine and Ecclesiastical Terminology combined. The Committee on the Laity and the Liaison Office for the Pontifical Council for the Laity combined. The Office for Cooperation in World Evangelization put under the Bishops' Standing Committee. The Committee for Ecumenism, the Office for Contact with Other Religions and the Office for Non-believers amalgamated.
1971	Apr.19	Special editorial board of the Catechetical Committee publishes the new introductory catechism for adults, "Katorikku Nyumon".
	May 17-22	Ordinary assembly of the Bishops' Conference.
	Jul.1	At the request of the Apostolic See, Caritas Japan holds an emergency meeting on how to aid the refugees of East Pakistan.
	Aug.3-5	Extraordinary assembly of the Bishops' Conference.
	Oct.5-6	A national meeting held for those in charge of ecumenical activities of each diocese.
	Dec.7-9	Extraordinary assembly of the Bishops' Conference. *Aid solicited from the German hierarchy and from Rome to help the YBU.
1972	Jan.23	Bp. Ley of the Ryukyus dies.
	Apr.	An agricultural Service Team dispatched to Bangladesh in a joint effort by Caritas Japan and NCC.
	Jun.12-17	Ordinary assembly of the Bishops' Conference. *Formal establishment of the Catholic Library for the Blind under the auspices of the Episcopal Committee for Social Activities.
	Jun. 29	Publication of the Bishops' pastoral letter "Preaching the Gospel in Society".
	Nov.28-Dec.1	Extraordinary assembly of the Bishops' Conference. Affiliation with the World Catholic Federation for the Biblical Apostolate initiated. A special episcopal and lay Committee for the Pastoral Care of Youth established and put under the charge of Bps. Itonaga Shin'ichi, Hamao Fumio, and Yasuda Hisao. This year a special collection made to meet the expenses of the project for the ecumenical translation of the Bible.
	Dec.18	The vicariate apostolic of the Ryukyus elevated to the diocese of Naha. Fr. Ishigami Tadamaro appointed first bishop and ordained Feb. 11, 1973.
1973	Mar.5	Archbp. Taguchi Yoshigoro elevated to the rank of cardinal (Japan's second).
	Mar.23-Apr.3	Card. J. Hoeffner of Cologne visits Japan.
	May 21-24	Ordinary assembly of the Bishops' Conference. The decision made to place "The Catholic Weekly" directly under the control of the Bishops. Editing transferred from the Society of St. Paul Jan. 1974. The constitution of the Bishops' Conference revised in part.
	Jun.11	Caritas Japan investigates the question of aid to Vietnam.
	Jun.12	Initiation of an emergency relief collection to aid victims of the great drought in West Africa.
	Oct.22-23	Inauguration of the Japanese Catholic Association for Radio and Television. (UNDA JAPAN)
	Nov.	Initiation of a collection campaign for relief to Vietnam through Caritas Japan.
1974	Jan.7-11	Extraordinary assembly of the Bishops' Conference. Approval for publication of the Ritual for the Sacrament of the Sick. Formation of a special committee to study the YBU. *Establishment of a reorganization committee of the Bishops' Conference.
	Jan.8	New offices of "The Catholic Weekly" set up (at 10-1 Rokubancho, Chiyoda-ku, within the compound of the General Secretariat).
	Feb.2	Naha Diocese celebrates its 25th anniversary.
	Apr.1	Apostolic Pronuncio, Archbp. I. Rotoli, takes office.
	May 21-25	Ordinary assembly of the Bishops' Conference. Re-organization of the committees carried out. Election of conference executives. -President: Card. Taguchi Yoshigoro -Vice-president: Archbps. Satowaki Asajiro and Shirayanagi Seiichi -Other members of the Standing Committee: Bps. Tomizawa Takahiko and Itonaga Shin'ichi. *Committee for Holy Year activities established. Bishops' Conference to join FABC.
	Jun.26	At the general session of the Association of Religious Congregations of Women in Japan, the name of the organization changed to "the Association of Major Superiors of Women Religious in Japan".
	Jul.21	Emergency meeting to consider an incident involving Bp. Tji (Korea). The Justice and Peace Commission, the Catholic Guild of Sympathizers in Search of Justice and Peace attend.
	Nov.12-14	Extraordinary assembly of the Bishops' Conference.
1975	Mar.16	Celebration of the 425th anniversary of the arrival of St. Francis Xavier in Japan.
	Mar.17	National celebration of the opening of the Holy Year.
	Apr.7	Representatives of 13 Christian Churches draw up a protest against the "Yasukuni Shrine Bill". Archbp. Shirayanagi Seiichi adds his signature.
	Apr.7-19	Opening of the second congress of the Bishops' Institute for Social Action (BISA) in Tokyo.
	Apr.10	Establishment of a committee to set up a Japanese evangelization and pastoral center.
	Apr.23	Formation of the Federation of Catholic Women's Groups of Japan (Tokyo).
	May 5-10	Ordinary assembly of the Bishops' Conference.
	Jun.27	Caritas Japan begins accepting Vietnamese refugees.
	Jul.1	Caritas Japan assists the Vietnamese refugees rescued by #87 Daihan Maru.
	Jul.27-28	Formation of the National Association of Catholic Universities (Hiroshima).
	Aug.28-29	First national meeting of leaders in charge of the pastoral care of youth (Yokohama).
	Sept.15	100th anniversary of the Japan Bible Society. The Catholic-Protestant joint translation of the Gospel of Luke published.
	Nov.11-13	Extraordinary assembly of the Bishops' Conference.
	Nov.13	First national meeting of the Council for Justice and Peace (Tokyo).
1976	Jan.24	Following the resignation of Bp. Kobayashi Arikata of the diocese of Sendai, Fr. Sato Chihiro appointed bishop and ordained Mar. 20.
	Jan.	Publication of the document on "Evangelization in Japan" by the Episcopal Commission for Evangelical and Pastoral Activities.
	May 1	Establishment of the Federation of Catholic Junior Colleges in Japan.
	May 25-29	Ordinary assembly of the Bishops' Conference. The decision made to set up an Evangelization and Pastoral Center.
	May 26	Establishment of the Japan Catholic Cinema and Audio-visual Media Association (OCIC. Japan) Jul.8 Following the retirement of Bp. Furuya Yoshiyuki, Fr. Tanaka Ken'ichi appointed bishop of Kyoto and ordained Sept. 23.
	Aug.21	First national meeting of the Catholic Workers Movement (ACO) held in Kobe.
	Sept.24	Archbp. Yamaguchi Aijiro, former archbishop of Nagasaki, dies.
	Oct.13-14	First meeting of the Japan Youth Religionists held in Kyoto (Hieizan). Card. Pignedoli, president of the Vatican Secretariat for Non-Christians, attends.
	Oct.5	OCIC. Japan presents its first Cinema Award for the movie "Toroku".
	Nov.9-12	Extraordinary assembly of the Bishops' Conference. "Bible Week" established. Approval given to the Japanese edition of "The Sacrament of Reconciliation". A committee formed to study the founding of a Catholic Museum of Art.
1977	Apr.12	Caritas Japan holds its first meeting of the directors of centers for Vietnamese refugees. 22 people from 9 centers take part.
	May 24-28	Ordinary assembly of the Bishops' Conference. *Validity of Anglican baptisms recognized.
	Jul.7	Following the retirement of Bp. Tanaka Eikichi, Fr. Fukahori Satoshi appointed bishop of Takamatsu and ordained Sept. 23.
	Oct.5	Archbp. I. Rotoli, Apostolic Pronuncio to Japan, dies.
	Nov.10	Fr. Matsunaga Hisajiro appointed auxiliary bishop of Nagasaki archdiocese and ordained Feb. 5, 1978.
	Nov.15-17	Extraordinary assembly of the Bishops' Conference. * It is decided to transfer "Communications Day" to the Sunday before the Feast of the Ascension.
	Dec.8	Celebration of the 50th anniversary of the appointment of the first Japanese Bishop in Nagasaki.
	Dec.16	A ceremony held marking the foundation of the Japanese Province of the Franciscan Order. Fr. Sato Keiichi named first provincial.
	Dec.21	Appointment of Archbp. M.P. Gaspari as Apostolic Pronuncio to Japan.
1978	Jan.22	The 2500th issue of "The Catholic Weekly" published.
	Feb.23	Card. Taguchi Yoshigoro, President of the Bishops' Conference of Japan, dies.
	May 23-27	Ordinary assembly of the Bishops' Conference. Election of conference executives, following the death of Card. Taguchi Yoshigoro. -President: Archbp. Satowaki Asajiro -Member of the Standing Committee: Bp. Soma Nobuo -Chairman of the Committee for Church Administration and Legislation: Archbp. Satowaki Asajiro The Committee for Rehabilitation of Alcoholics established under the Episcopal Commission for Social Activities.
	May 28	Celebration of the 25th anniversary of Sapporo Diocese.
	Sept.15	The Committee for the Common Translation of the Bible publishes the Japanese "Common New Testament".
	Nov.5	Celebration of the 50th anniversary of Fukuoka Diocese.
	Nov.15	Aux. Bp. Yasuda Hisao appointed archbishop of Osaka and installed Feb.12, 1980.
	Nov.28-30	Extraordinary assembly of the Bishops' Conference.
	Dec.25	The Japanese edition of "The Liturgy of the Mass" published.
1979	Mar.26-29	East Asian regional meeting of F.A.B.C. (Tokyo).
	Jun.12-16	Ordinary assembly of the Bishops' Conference. The Episcopal Commission for Evangelical and Pastoral Activities decides to publish "Toward the Evangelization of Japanese Society". The Lenten "Movement of Love" broadens its concern to include needs abroad.
	Jun.20-21	A national meeting of the Social Communications Committee held.
	Jun.30	Archbp. Satowaki Asajiro elevated to the rank of Cardinal (Japan's third).
	Sept.3-30	As part of the first Exchange of Eastern and Western Spirituality, 51 Buddhist monks from Japan visit 11 monasteries in Europe for an experience of Catholic religious life.
	Oct.28-Nov.4	Arrival in Tokyo of Card. J. Hoeffner for the "Koln Week" of Tokyo Archdiocese.
	Oct.30	Aux. Bp. Hamao Fumio of Tokyo appointed bishop of Yokohama and installed Jan. 15, 1980.
	Dec.11-13	Extraordinary assembly of the Bishops' Conference. A special committee created to make a study on the building which houses the general secretariat. Another special committee set up to study the structure of the Bishops' Conference. *The decision made to invite Pope John Paul II to Japan.
	Dec.20	Fr. Shimamoto Kaname appointed bishop of Urawa Diocese and ordained Mar. 20, 1980.
	Dec.31	The Catholic pension system abolished.
1980	May 19-20	"Ad limina" visit of the Japanese bishops. Audience with Pope John Paul II.
	Jun.17-21	Ordinary assembly of the Bishops' Conference. *The re-organization plan of the special committee assigned to study the structure of the Bishops' Conference approved. The organizational position of each department designated and its scope of responsibility clarified.
	Aug.6	Bp. Matsuoka Magoshiro, former bishop of Nagoya, dies.
	Aug.23-25	National Convention of Young Catholics held in Nagasaki.
	Oct.17	The Bishops' Conference decides to present a letter appealing against the bill dealing with the Yasukuni Shrine to the Prime Minister Suzuki Zenko.
	Nov.14	Caritas Japan receives the "Minister of Welfare's Award".
	Nov.25-28	Extraordinary assembly of the Bishops' Conference. *A special committee to welcome Pope John Paul II formed.
	Dec.8	Publication of the Bishops' message "As We Approach the International Year of the Handicapped."
	Dec.21	Official announcement of Pope John Paul's visit to Japan.
1981	Jan.16	The English News Organ "Tosei News", published by the general secretariat, renamed "The Catholic News".
	Feb.18	Beatification of 16 Martyrs of Nagasaki in Manila.
	Feb.23-26	Pope John Paul II visits Japan. 23 - Pope attends several gatherings with religious, representatives of the laity, and bishops. 24 - Pope meets separately with representatives of other Christian churches, non-Christian religions, young people, diplomats. 25 - A welcome party held for the Pope. A peace appeal and a memorial address made by the Pope in Hiroshima. An ordination Mass celebrated by the Pope in Nagasaki. 26 - Pope meets with religious women. A Papal Mass celebrated (Matsuyama Sports Ground in Nagasaki).
	Apr.1	Fr. Misue Atsumi (Nagasaki Archdiocese) appointed secretary general of the Catholic Bishops' Conference.
	Apr.22-28	Mother Teresa visits Japan.
	May 19-22	Ordinary assembly of the Bishops' Conference. *The decision made to publish a message to the laity in response to Pope John Paul II's peace appeal, made on the occasion of his visit to Hiroshima.
	Jun.29	The Justice and Peace Commission becomes the Federation of Religious Denominations Concerned with the Problem of Buraku Discrimination.
	Dec.8-12	Extraordinary assembly of the Bishops' Conference. *The plan of the special committee for investigation of the property of the general secretariat with a view to selling and moving is approved and statement of the plan prepared.
1982	Feb.-Apr.	The Episcopal Commission for Social Activities carries out a signature campaign to abolish nuclear arms.
	Mar.21	The National Liaison Association of Catholic Volunteers established.
	Mar.	Episcopal Commission for Evangelical and Pastoral Activities publishes its paper "Let Us Bring the Gift of Baptism to at Least One Friend".
	May 22-29	"Japan Catholic Pilgrimage for Peace". Archbp. Shirayanagi Seiichi and 10 other envoys attend the U.N. Second Special General Council on Disarmament (SSD-II). 429,690 signatures are presented.
	May 30	Joint prayer meeting for peace and against nuclear weapons held by Protestants and Catholics in Tokyo.
	May 31-Jun.5	Ordinary assembly of the Bishops' Conference. *The decision made to observe the Japan Catholic 10 Days for Peace from Aug. 6-15.
	Jun.24	Celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Catholic Journalists' Club.
	Jul.17-18	Foundation and first conference of the Catholic Liaison Association for Handicapped. (Kyoto)
	Aug.6-15	The Japan Catholic 10 Days for Peace observed for the first time.
	Sept.1	Establishment of the Association for Aid to Overseas Missionaries under the auspices of the Japan Catholic Migration Commission.
	Oct.10	Canonization of St. Maximillian Kolbe in Rome. 300 Japanese Catholics attend the ceremony, led by Archbp. Shirayanagi Seiichi and two other bishops.
	Nov.29-Dec.3	Extraordinary assembly of the Bishops' Conference. Approval of common early-morning prayer services for peace between Anglicans and Catholics. Establishment of the Special National Committee for the Settlement of Refugees.
1983	Jan.10	First meeting of the Special National Committee for the Settlement of Refugees (Tokyo).
	Apr.13	The Bishops' Conference initiates a support group in response to a request from the Bishops' Conference of the Philippines for an international cooperation committee to safeguard the rights of foreign Asian women in Japan.
	May 18	An Anglican-Catholic prayer meeting for world peace and church unity held in Tokyo. The meeting attended by Anglican bishops from America and Africa.
	May 20	Bp. Tanaka Eikichi, former bishop of Takamatsu, dies.
	Jun.23	Vatican pro-nuncio, Archbp. M. P. Gaspari, dies.
	Jul.4-9	Ordinary assembly of the Bishops' Conference. *The Amended final plan for restructuring of the Bishops' Conference approved. -Recognition of the position of the episcopal committees and departments within the structure of the General Secretariat and the scope of responsibility for each. -The introduction of a bishop-moderator system for the General Secretariat. Bp. Soma Nobuo appointed to the role. -The General Secretariat composed of the General Affairs Dept., the Social Communications Dept., the Planning Dept., and the Promotion Dept.
	Jul.9	Publication of the Bishops' Conference pastoral, "The Desire for Peace - the Evangelical Mission of the Church in Japan".
	Jul.15	A letter appealing for settlement of refugees presented to Prime Minister Nakasone Yasuhiro.
	Oct.3	Catholic Church joins the Federation of Christian Denominations Concerned with the Problem of Buraku Discrimanation.
	Oct.5-Nov.5	As part of the second Exchange of Eastern and Western Spirituality, 17 Catholic religious from abroad visit Japan for an experience of training at Buddhist monasteries.
	Nov.18	Archbp. W. Carew takes up his post as Vatican pro-nuncio.
	Dec.13-17	Extraordinary assembly of the Bishops' Conference. The Association for Promoting Lay Missionaries placed under the International Cooperation Committee. The Catholic Liaison Association for Handicapped put under the Committee for Human Rights and Welfare.
1984	Jan.12	The Bishops' Standing Committee authorizes setting up the Committee for the Buraku Issues.
	Feb.28	The Episcopal Commission for Social Activities presents a written petition to the Prime Minister Nakasone Yasuhiro, Minister of Justice Sumi Eisaku, and the Minister of Home Affairs Tagawa Seiichi concerning the Alien Registration Law, contending that the system of fingerprinting violates the human rights of Koreans living in Japan.
	Apr.5-15	President of the Bishops' Conferences of Brazil, Bp. I. Lorscheiter visits Japan at the invitation of the Bishops' Conference of Japan.
	Apr.22	Anglican-Catholic Ecumenical Committee translates and publishes its "Final Report of the Anglican-Roman Catholic International Commission".
	May 1	Celebration of the 140th anniversary of evangelization in Okinawa held in Naha.
	May 22	Name of "The Committee to Help Asian Women residing in Japan" changed to "The Committee for Solidarity with Asian Women residing in Japan".
	May 31	Former pro-nuncio to Japan, Archbp. B. Wustenberg, dies.
	Jun.18-23	Ordinary assembly of the Bishops' Conference. Announcement of the "Basic Orientations and Priorities of the Church in Japan". Appointment of Fr. Iwahashi Jun'ichi (Tokyo) as secretary general of the Japan Bishops' Conference.
	Jun.23	Publication of the pastoral letter "Life a Gift of God" by the Bishops' Conference, on the Catholic position on the dignity of the life of the unborn child.
	Sept.14	"The Missionary and Pastoral Center" renamed "The Japan Catholic Research Institute for Evangelization".
	Oct.15	Former Apostolic Delegate to Japan, Card. P. Marella, dies.
	Oct.23	Fr. Murakabe Stephano refuses to be fingerprinted. Subsequent to this incident, the number of foreign missionaries who refuse fingerprinting increases.
	Dec.3	Fr. Mori Kazuhiro appointed auxiliary bishop of Tokyo and ordained Feb.23, 1985.
	Dec.18-21	Extraordinary assembly of the Bishops' Conference. Establishment of a special committee to study the terminology to be used in the New Code of Canon Law. The establishment of an office to prepare for the First National Incentive Convention for Evangelization (NICE I). *The name of "The Committee for Rehabilitation of Alcoholics" changed to "The Committee for Rehabilitation of Alcoholics and Drug Addicts".
1985	Jan.10	Decision taken to translate all publications of the General Secretariat into braille, audiotape them, and reproduce them in enlarged print.
	Jan.20	Committee on Non-Christian Religions publishes "The Church's Teaching on Reverence for Ancestors and All the Dead".
	Feb.7	The Standing Committee of the Bishops' Conference sends a telegram to the government of South Africa protesting the arrest of Archbp. Hurley.
	Feb.7	Start of the Roman Catholic-Lutheran Joint Committee.
	Mar.9	Fr. Sato Keiichi appointed bishop of Niigata and ordained Jun. 9.
	Mar.29	Fr. Misue Atsumi (Nagasaki) appointed bishop of Hiroshima and ordained Jun. 16.
	May 13-14	Opening of the First National study session on the problem of Asian Women residing in Japan. "A Handbook on the Problem of Asian Women in Japan" published.
	Jun.17-22	Ordinary assembly of the Bishops' Conference. The Research Office Regarding the Chinese Church set up. The National Liaison Association of Catholic Volunteers placed under the supervision of the Committee for Human Rights and Welfare. *The name of the Special National Committee for the Settlement of Refugees changed to the Committee for the Settlement of Refugees.
	Jun.21	Former bishop of Fukuoka, Fukahori Sen'emon, dies.
	Jun.22	The Japanese Bishops publishes its statement on the "World Unification Church of Rev. Moon".
	Jun.22	Formation of the executive committee for NICE I.
	Jul.14	President of the Bishops' Conference, Archbp. Shirayanagi Seiichi, makes a formal visit to Brazil.
	Jul.16	A list of signatures demanding abolition of the fingerprinted system revision of the Alien Registration Law presented to the Minister of Justice Shimasaki Hitoshi.
	Aug.4-7	Japanese Bishops offer a concelebrated Mass in Hiroshima for victims of the A-bomb and for world peace.
	Aug.12	The Conference for Justice and Peace sends an appeal to a meeting of cabinet members discussing the issue of paying respects at Yasukuni Shrine.
	Aug.23-25	"Catholic Youth '85", a youth congress, held at Fuji Seishin School in Shizuoka. There are 24 youth groups in attendance, mainly from Tokyo, Yokohama, and Urawa Dioceses.
	Aug.26-Sept.3	Japanese Bishops make their "ad limina" visit to Rome.
	Oct.12-14	Anglicans and Roman Catholics hold a joint study conference.
	Nov.1	Initiation of a signature campaign to bring about the Fundamental Law on Buraku Liberation.
	Dec.17-20	Extraordinary assembly of the Bishops' Conference. Establishment of the Second Special Committee to Study the Reorganization of the Bishops' Conference. Basic policy remains intact as regards the question of transferring the location and sale of the General Secretariat property. However, details of planning for the transfer returned to scratch.
	Dec.19	Bishops' Conference sends the Prime Minister Nakasone Yasuhiro, all of the Cabinet members, and the leaders of each political party, a demand for fundamental legislation to eliminate buraku discrimination.
1986	Jan.7	Public letter of inquiry sent to the Minister of Justice Shimasaki Hitoshi about action taken against Fr. Murakabe Stephano who refused to be fingerprinted.
	Feb.10-11	Open forum on NICE I held for the laity of Osaka Ecclesiastical Province. (Osaka)
	Feb.19	Episcopal Commission for Social Activities sends a letter of protest to the Minister of Justice Suzuki Shogo concerning the issue of the registrationlaw for foreigners.
	Feb.21	A congress on evangelization held in Naha Diocese.
	Mar.1	72,000 names collected in the second Signature Campaign to Abolish the Practice of Disposing of Nuclear Waste in the Pacific.
	Mar.21	Open forum on NICE I held for the laity of Tokyo Ecclesiastical Province. (Tokyo)
	Apr.5-6	Open forum on NICE I held for the laity of the southern part of Nagasaki Ecclesiastical Province. (Kagoshima)
	Apr.28-29	Open forum on NICE I held for the laity of the northern part of Nagasaki Ecclesiastical Province. (Fukuoka)
	Jun.9-14	Ordinary assembly of the Bishops' Conference. *Decision to express the Japanese Church's responsibility in World War II at the FABC meeting in Tokyo.
	Jul.4-5	A joint national congress held for the Catholic Institutions for Children and the Catholic Nurseries Association. The main subject is "What Will be Asked of Social Institutions for Children in the Future?".
	Aug.14	First congress of Catholic Vietnamese held in Himeji.
	Sept.9	Archbp. Shirayanagi Seiichi, president of the Bishops' Conference, writes a letter to the President of Nicaragua appealing for peace in that country.
	Sept.16-25	Fourth Plenary assembly of the FABC held in Tokyo. The main subject is "The Vocation and Mission of the Laity in the World of Asian Catholics".
	Dec.9-12	Extraordinary assembly of the Bishops' Conference. The decision made to be involved, as the Bishops' Conference, in the "Hieizan Summit of Religions". The Catholic Committee for the Deaf placed under the auspices of the Liaison Association of Catholic Handicapped. *"Building an Open Church" decided on as the theme for NICE I.
1987	Feb.9	In a signature campaign sponsored by the Alliance of Christian Churches, 500,000 names gathered protesting the law on alien registration.
	Apr.	Within the General Secretariat, the Planning Dept. and the Promotion Dept. combined into the "Planning and Promotion Dept."
	Jun.8-13	Ordinary assembly of the Bishops' Conference. *By the feast of the Assumption, the Bishops are to publish a pastoral letter as their official document on the Marian Year.
	Aug.15	Publication of the Bishops' pastoral letter concerning the veneration of the Blessed Mother on the occasion of the Marian Year.
	Sept.5	New ecumenical translation of the Bible published.
	Oct.3	Fr. Jinushi Toshio appointed bishop of Sapporo and ordained Jan. 15, 1988.
	Oct.18	Canonization of 16 Martyrs of Nagasaki held in Rome. Bp. Matsunaga and 80 other people from Japan attend. The feast of St. Thomas Nishi and his 15 Companions fixed for Sept. 28.
	Nov.20-23	NICE I takes place in Kyoto, with 275 representatives (17 bishops, 112 priests, 53 religious, 93 laity). 127 secretaries and 150 members of the preparatory committee present. Reports on fourteen issues presented to the bishops.
	Dec.14-18	Extraordinary assembly of the Bishops' Conference. *Reports of NICE I studied and a statement published under the title "Let us Live Together in Joy".
1988	Mar.9	First Meeting of the Promotion Committee of NICE I.
	Apr.	Committee for Social Communications dissolved and its work assigned to the Social Communications Dept. within the General Secretariat.
	Apr.6	The Committee for Solidarity with Asian Women residing in Japan changes its name to the "Committee for Solidarity with Foreigners residing in Japan".
	Jun.13-18	Ordinary assembly of the Bishops' Conference. Study Session: -The full range of issues relating to the change of emperor. -Recent moral theology on contraception. Possibility of establishing the system of on-going education for priests. Criteria for editing a new prayer book. Basic concept for the new General Secretariat building. Basic standard for revising the forms used for making surveys of the current statistics of the Church. A Special extraordinary assembly held to discuss "Evangelization".
	Jun.19	The 3000th issue of "The Catholic Weekly" published.
	Sept.1-3	Special extraordinary plenary assembly of the Bishops' *Conference. Discussion on evangelization.
	Sept.11-13	National meeting for chancellors of the dioceses.
	Oct.2	Memorial celebration for St. Thomas Nishi and the 15 Martyrs.
	Nov.10	Episcopal Commission for Social Activities initiates a signature campaign seeking to abolish racial discrimination, enact laws to protect international human rights, and achieve an early ratification of the same.
	Nov.22-23	400th anniversary of the establishment of the diocese of Funai (Oita).
	Dec.13-16	Extraordinary assembly of the Bishops' Conference. Validity of Lutheran baptism recognized. The decision taken to use "Iesu" for the Lord's name in liturgical books and episcopal documents.
1989	Jan.7	Bishops' Conference publishes a statement on the occasion of the emperor's death.
	Jan.9	On the occasion of Emperor Hirohito's funeral, the Bishops' Conference sends a written appeal to Prime Minister Takeshita Noboru asking that the freedom of religion and the separation between church and state be strictly observed.
	Feb.20-22	First national assembly of priests held in Osaka. The subject is "The Joy and Pain of Working to Build an Open Church".
	Mar.16	Standing Committee of the Bishops' Conference makes the decision to establish an on-going formation center and build a facility on the former site of Seibo Katekisuta Gakuin in Nagoya.
	Apr.14	The Research Institute for Evangelization establishes a group to study the emperor system.
	Apr.16	Former bishop of Sapporo, Tomizawa Takahiko, dies.
	Apr.26	The Committee for Solidarity with Foreigners residing in Japan publishes its appeal, "Living with Foreign Workers Valuing Human Beings over Things".
	May 16	First meeting of the committee to establish the on-going formation center held. The first committee chairman is Fr. Noshita Chitoshi of Nagasaki.
	May 22	First study session to deal with the issue of foreign workers held under the auspices of the Society for Solidarity with Resident Foreigners.
	May 24	At the 7th session of the promotion committee for NICE I, a project team for on-going formation established.
	Jun.12-17	Ordinary assembly of the Bishops' Conference. *New board of executives elected. -President: Archbp. Shirayanagi Seiichi. -Vice-President: Archbp. Yasuda Hisao -Standing Committee Members: Bps. Matsunaga Hisajiro, Shimamoto Kaname, Sato Chihiro, Soma Nobuo, and Fukahori Satoshi.
	Aug.14	Chairman of the Conference for Justice and Peace, Bp. Soma Nobuo, at a meeting of a special committee of the United Nations for the de-colonization of peoples, makes an appeal of support for the people of East Timor in their present situation and their quest for self-determination. 1,250 signaturespresented to the general manager and chairman of the committee, in support of Bp. Belo, administrator apostolic of East Timor.
	Aug.21-27	Second Convention of the Laity of East Asia held and considers the spiritual dangers and the role of the laity in the midst of material affluence. The conference held in Tokyo and five countries (Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, Korea, and Japan) are represented.
	Sept.18-19	Special extraordinary plenary assembly of the Bishops' Conference. Review of blueprint details of the proposed "Japan Catholic Center".
	Oct.19	At the request of the Apostolic See, the Bishops' Conference Standing Committee decrees that Jan. 1, Feast of Mary Mother of God, be a holyday of obligation.
	Nov.1	Secretariats of Japan Provincial Superiors and the Association of Major Superiors of Women Religious combined.
	Nov.9	The Standing Committee of the Bishops' Conference presents Prime Minister Kaifu Toshiki with a letter requesting that the separation of church and state in matters pertaining to the enthronement ceremony for the emperor be observed.
	Dec.12-15	Extraordinary assembly of the Bishops' Conference. *Publication of the hierarchy's statement "The Kind of Priest Needed Today".
	Dec.15	Publication of the hierarchy's message "Together Let Us Join in Deepening our Understanding of the Meaning of the First National Incentive Convention for Evangelization".
1990	Feb.8	Ground-breaking ceremony for the Japan Catholic On-going Formation Center.
	Feb.25	Opening of a liaison office of the General Secretariat in Rome, with Fr. G. Boudreault as the first liaison officer.
	Feb.25-Mar.3	Japanese Bishops make their "ad limina" visit to Rome.
	Mar.20	Bp. Shimamoto Kaname of Urawa Diocese appointed archbishop of Nagasaki and installed May 8.
	Apr.	Bp. Shimamoto Kaname assigned Bishop-Moderator of the General Secretariat.
	Apr.10	Committee for Human Rights and Welfare publishes a missal, "The Liturgy of the Mass Celebrated with Sign Language".
	May 8	Thanksgiving celebration held on the occasion of the completion of the braille version of the "New Ecumenical Translation of the Bible".
	May 11-19	An experiential learning course on eastern spirituality sponsored by the FABC. Nine bishops from Asia including Bp. Ishigami Tadamaro attend (at Takamori Soan, Nagano Prefecture).
	Jun.7	Representatives of the Catholic Church, the Japan Alliance of Evangelical Churches, and the Conference of Christian Churches present about 58,000 protest signatures to Prime Minister Kaifu Toshiki, and Chief Cabinet Secretary Sakamoto, regarding participation in the "Daijo-Sai".
	Jun.18-22	Ordinary assembly of the Bishops' Conference. *"The Family" chosen as the theme of the NICE II Convention. Archbp. Shimamoto Kaname, Bp. Hamao Fumio, and Bp. Misue Atsumi selected as moderators.
	Jul.5	Caritas Japan receives the Foreign Minister's Award for welfare activities for refugees from Indochina.
	Sept.30	Activities to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the archdiocese of Tokyo begin.
	Oct.6	Aux. Bp. Matsunaga Hisajiro of Nagasaki appointed bishop of Fukuoka and installed Jan. 15, 1991.
	Oct.27	First meeting of the executive committee for the commemoration activities to celebrate the 100th anniversary of "Rerum Novarum".
	Nov.5-10	Opening of Asia Institute for Social Action (AISA) of FABC (in Yokohama). There are 20 participants from other Asian countries and 60 from Japan.
	Dec.8	The Standing Committee of the Bishops' Conference presents to Prime Minister Kaifu their "Request for the Observance of the Constitution Regarding the Separation of Church and State, the Sovereign Power of the People, and the Renunciation of War".
	Dec.11-14	Extraordinary assembly of the Bishops' Conference. The NICE II Convention fixed for autumn of 1993 in Nagasaki. Approval for sending a team of priests to serve Japanese Catholics in other Asian countries.
1991	Jan.21	Ground-breaking ceremony for the new "Japan Catholic Center".
	Jan.30	Investigating committee visits Macao to examine remains of Japanese Martyrs who died between 1587 and 1633. The representative for the group is Fr. Yuki Ryogo.
	Jan.30	Gulf Evacuees Relief Execution Committee formed. It begins operations on Jan. 31, with Bp. Soma Nobuo as chairman.
	Jan.31	An office established to raise money for the rescue of Gulf War refugees. Collections to raise money begun.
	Jan.31	The appeal to Ishihara Nobuo, cabinet vice-secretary, that commercial planes rather than self-defense forces planes be allowed for the rescue of refugees refused.
	Feb.2	Bp. Furuya Yoshiyuki, former bishop of Kyoto, dies.
	Feb.3	Blessing of the Japan Catholic On-going Formation Center, with Fr. Noshita Chitoshi as director. The preparatory committee dissolved and a new steering committee formed.
	Feb.25-27	2nd national convention of priests in Osaka, with the theme "The Priest Walking with the People as Leader: Taking Another Look at the System".
	Mar.17	Celebration of the completion of Fr. Nakamura Chohachi Memorial Hall in San Paulo, Brazil. He was the first priest to minister to Japanese overseas. Fr. Noshita Chitoshi officiates at the blessing and gives the address.
	Apr.	Publishing Dept. of the General Secretariat established. Bp. Hamao Fumio assigned moderator-bishop of the General Secretariat.
	Apr.8	Gulf Evacuees Relief Execution Committee sends three representatives to the Middle East (Bp. Soma Nobuo, a representative of the National Christian Council in Japan, and a representative of the Federation of New Religious Organizations of Japan)
	Apr.27	An on-going course of study on "The Family" sponsored by the Research Institute for Evangelization six sessions until Oct. 26.
	May 25	Publication of "Church Building Design Taking into Account the Needs of Handicapped People" by the Committee for Human Rights and Welfare.
	Jun.15	Commencement of activities for celebrating the 100th anniversary of the archdiocese of Osaka. (Lasts until Jun. 14, 1992)
	Jun.17	Fr. Okada Takeo of Tokyo Archdiocese appointed bishop of Urawa Diocese and ordained Sept. 16.
	Jun.24-28	Plenary assembly of the Bishops' Conference. Dissolution of the Committee for the Migration of Catholics within Japan. A special Committee is formed to review and examine the financial planning of the General Secretariat.
	Sept.29	100th anniversary thanksgiving celebration for the archdiocese of Tokyo. The anniversary activities close with a Mass.
	Oct.-Nov.	First dispatch of Japanese priests to serve Catholics in Southeast Asia. Three priests sent to Jakarta, Singapore, and Bangkok.
	Nov.10	NICE Project Team for Social-Evangelization publishes "With Whom Do We Work?"
	Nov.26	"Hands for Peace" movement in Osaka Diocese campaigns against the proposed law allowing Self Defense Forces to take part in U.N. peace-keeping operations (PKO). List of signatures handed in to the Prime Minister's Office.
	Dec.8	In commemoration of Pearl Harbor, Mass celebrated in Hiroshima and Hawaii simultaneously to pray for peace and unity.
	Dec.11-14	Extraordinary plenary assembly of the Bishops' Conference. The name of "Catholic Migration Day" changed to "Catholic International Cooperation Day". Decision made to discontinue the Japanese language broadcast of Radio Veritas Asia from JJun. 1992. *Method of contributing to the support of the Holy See (can.1271) approved.
1992	Jan.16	Support organization for the Japanese language broadcast of Radio Veritas Asia disbanded.
	Jan.29	Bp. Soma Nobuo of Nagoya receives the Asahi Newspaper's Welfare Award. FFeb. 20 "The New Catholic Canon Law" published in Japanese.
	Feb.27	Special extraordinary assembly of the Bishops' Conference. Discussion of the Major Seminary of the Neo-catechumenate in Takamatsu. Election of the president and the vice-president of the Conference for the next term. -President: Archbp. Shimamoto Kaname. -Vice President: Bp. Hamao Fumio.
	Mar.1-3	National meeting of diocesan chancellors. The theme is the format of the various documents used for official records in the Church.
	Mar.14-25	Second delegation visits the Middle East (Jordan and Israel - occupied territory).
	May 12-15	Joint meeting of the Superiors of Male Religious and Mission Societies and the Superiors of the Women Religious held in Atami, to which the bishops are invited. 15 bishops and 106 superiors attend. The theme is the study of practical ways whereby the bishops, the mission societies, and the religious communities can cooperate in the work of evangelization.
	May 31	Episcopal Commission for Evangelical Activities publishes a document concerning "Weddings of Non-Christians in Catholic Churches".
	Jun.14	Osaka Archdiocese centenary celebrations come to a close.
	Jun.16-19	The Apostolic See and the FABC sponsor a meeting on the pastoral care of immigrants and refugees in Asia. The chairman of the Committee for the International Cooperation, Bp. Ishigami Tadamaro, and four others attend.
	Jun.30	Japanese language broadcasts of Radio Veritas Asia terminated.
	Jun.30-Jul.4	Ordinary assembly of the Bishops' Conference. Election of officers for the Bishops' Conference. Bishops decide that the objective of NICE II should be "Finding the Ideal of Evangelization from the Reality of Family Life".
	July 4	Japanese Bishops approve the agenda for the Second National Incentive Convention for Evangelization (NICE II). The overall theme is "The Family".
	Oct.5-7	A national meeting of those responsible for social communications in each diocese held in Yufuin. The main topic was the rationale and actual situation of each diocese's Bulletin.
	Oct.20	The Bishops' Conference publishes its "Cathopedia 92" (a combination mini-encyclopedia and national directory) to replace the "Japan Catholic Directory" last published in 1985.
	Oct. 25	The Episcopal Commission for Social Activities publishes a letter "Towards Overcoming Buraku Discrimination".
	Nov. 11	A thanksgiving ceremony held celebrating the completion of the new Japan Catholic Center.A thanksgiving ceremony held celebrating the completion of the new Japan Catholic Center.
1993	Jan. 20	The Episcopal Commission for Social Activities publishes a 6-language statement "Seeking the Kingdom of God Which Transcends Differences in Nationality".
	Jan.26-29	Extraordinary Assembly of the Bishops' Conference The Committee for Church Administration and Legislation asked to consider the feasibility of the permanent diaconate in Japan. The circulation of a "Questionnaire Concerning Revision of Structures'" approved.
	Feb. 9	A special committee established to study the third stage of structural reform of the Bishops' Conference.
	Feb.11	Opening ceremonies held at the Japan Catholic Center.
	Apr.1	First use of the new "Official Formulae".
	Apr.5	Fr. Nomura Jun'ichi appointed bishop of Nagoya and ordained on July 4.
	Apr.12-14	General assembly of the Superiors' Conference of Japan held.
	May 18	The Conference for Justice and Peace presents a formal request to the Prime Minister concerning the solemn Shinto marriage rites of the Crown Prince.
	May 20	Publication of the revised edition of the "Order of Christian Funerals".
	Jun.21-25	Ordinary Assembly of the Bishops' Conference. Approval of the program for NICE II. Approval of a "Pagella" (for the entrusting of faculties) common to all the dioceses. Approval of the promotion of "World Youth Day". Bp. Mori Kazuhiro entrusted with the position of episcopal overseer of the General Secretariat of the Bishops' Conference.
	Sept.15	Publication of the "Daily Prayer" prepared under the auspices of the Episcopal Commission for Pastoral Activities.
	Sept.9-Oct.24	Month of prayer for the success of NICE II.
	Oct.4	In connection with the arrest of Aoyagi Yukinobu, the President of the Conference for Justice and Peace and the Chairman of the Committee for International Cooperation issue a joint message "Concerning Assistance for Foreign Workers in Japan".
	Oct.13	With regard to the same arrest, the Committee for International Cooperation and the Conference for Justice and Peace issue a joint declaration "Concerning the Arrest of a Person Assisting Foreign Workers in Japan".
	Oct.21-24	NICE II convenes in Nagasaki, with 229 delegates in attendance. A report presented to the bishops entitled "Outlook: Toward a Renewal of the Church of Japan in the Work of Evangelization".
	Oct.31	A national gathering held in Fukuoka in demonstration of support for Aoyagi Yukinobu, still in custody.
	Dec.14-17	Extraordinary Assembly of the Bishops' Conference. Approval of the revised "Rite of Marriage". Concerning liturgical use of the Lord's Prayer from "Daily Prayer". *Concerning the bishops' response to the NICE II report.