Romanians in Japan

Romanian Orthodox church in Maramureș style takes shape in Japan

The first Romanian Orthodox church built in the traditional Maramureș style in Japan is taking on an increasingly visible shape after the church’s tower was installed on Tuesday. The announcement of the tower installation was made by the parish priest of the Romanian Orthodox Parish of Tokyo, who expressed gratitude to all those who have…

May 14, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanians lay foundation for wooden church at Japan’s first Orthodox cemetery

Members of the Romanian Orthodox Parish of Tokyo have begun building a wooden church in Maramureș style in Minami-Alps, Yamanashi Prefecture, after purchasing land and establishing the first Orthodox cemetery in Japan at the site. The foundation stone was blessed at the end of last week. The service was officiated by the parish priest, Daniel…

Mar 16, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Orthodox priest in Tokyo reflects on joys and challenges of ministry in Japan

In an interview with Formula AS magazine, Father Daniel Corîu spoke about the joys, difficulties and unexpected collaborations that accompany his pastoral mission in Japan. Father Corîu has served in Japan for 12 years, ministering to around 200 families, most of them Romanian–Japanese. He is the only Romanian Orthodox priest in the country, after the…

Dec 9, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Wooden church for Japan’s first Orthodox cemetery ready, funds needed for transport

Romanian Orthodox faithful in Japan, after acquiring a plot for Christian burials, have also commissioned the construction of a small wooden church in the Maramureș architectural style. Built in Romania, the church is now awaiting shipment to Japan, with fundraising underway to cover transport costs. “This is the wooden church that will serve the Orthodox…

Aug 28, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Church in Tokyo celebrates milestone with new iconography

The Romanian Orthodox Church in Tokyo concludes the year with a significant achievement: the adornment of its interior with iconography and frescoes. “With great joy, we share the celebration of Christ’s Nativity from the Bethlehem of Japan! This year, God’s abundant blessings have beautified our church through paintings and icons,” the parish representatives posted on…

Dec 31, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Japanese publication highlights resilient spirit of the Romanian Orthodox community in Tokyo

The Romanian Orthodox community in Tokyo was the subject of a feature article by the Japanese publication Shueisha Shinsho. The article particularly highlighted the ecclesiastical community’s life and its members’ strong national identity. The interviews and photos were made on Easter night in a quiet residential area in Fujimidai, Kunitachi city, Tokyo, where reporter Yasuda…

Jul 25, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

First Orthodox cemetery opens in Japan: Wooden church from Romania to serve as chapel

At the end of January, the St George Romanian parish in Tokyo opened the first Orthodox cemetery in Japan, located in Yamanashi. The parish priest expressed his intent to transport a wooden church from Romania to serve as the cemetery’s chapel. At the conclusion of January, a 1,200-square-meter site was leased for the interment of…

Feb 9, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Orthodox Church building cemetery in Japan to proclaim the dignity of the body

The representation of the Romanian Orthodox Church in Japan has announced the establishment and organisation of an Orthodox cemetery in Japan, where the faithful can be buried rather than cremated, as is mandated in most of Japan. The plot will have about 100 spaces, with a possibility of expansion, open to all Orthodox Christians regardless…

Jul 21, 2022Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanians could establish their first monastic community in Japan

The Romanian parish priest of Tokyo announced a thought of the Romanian Orthodox community in Japan about the International Orthodox Centre “St. Andrew” at Kitakaruizawa: “Perhaps, if it would be God’s will, this centre will become the headquarters of a small monastic community, the first one in Japan,” Father Daniel Corîu said. “The idea of…

Jul 19, 2022Aurelian Iftimiu