On November 20-22, 2025, the Province of the Immaculate Conception of the B.V.M. in Japan conducted its annual Provincial Assembly. The event took place at the Seibo no Kishi (Knights of the Immaculata) complex in the Hongōchi neighborhood of Nagasaki, Japan. This site is a renowned pilgrimage destination connected with St. Maximilian Kolbe. The gathering brought together friars from across Japan to strengthen their fraternal bonds through prayer, spiritual talks, and shared liturgical celebrations.
The Minister Provincial, Friar Lucas Shinichiroh TANIZAKI, presided over the Assembly. Also present was Friar Giuseppe Myoungjin PARK, the Assistant General for the Federation of Asian Minor Conventuals (FAMC).
The Province of Japan currently has sixteen friaries and fifty-two solemnly professed friars. They are located in the metropolitan area of Tokyo and in the prefectures of Ōita, Nagasaki, Aichi, Hyōgo, and Kagoshima.
During the Assembly, the friars continued to work on the revision of their Provincial Statutes. Twenty friars engaged in discussion, offering reflections and input to help shape the next steps in this important process. The sessions fostered an atmosphere of unity and collaborative spirit.
On November 22, the Assembly conducted a Mass of Thanksgiving for Friar Rufinus Yoshikazu KUBO, who celebrated his 50th anniversary of priestly ordination. The Mass was attended by our confrere, the Most Reverend Berard Toshio OSHIKAWA, OFM Conv., Bishop Emeritus of Naha, Japan, and was marked by a spirit of fraternal warmth. After the Mass, the friars shared a festive meal with Friar Rufinus, bringing the Provincial Assembly to a close.
Friar Marcus Keiichi OMIZU, Provincial Secretary
