The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is marking 125 years of presence in Japan, reflecting on a history that spans from early 20th-century missionary arrivals to an established community of over 131,000 members across seven missions and four operating temples. Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles commemorated the milestone during an Aug. 30, 2026, countrywide devotional, emphasizing the spiritual endurance of Japanese Latter-day Saints.
Arrival in Yokohama and the 1901 Dedication
He was accompanied by Louis A. Kelsch, Horace S. Ensign, and Alma O. Taylor, forming the first group of Latter-day Saint missionaries sent to the country.
On September 1, 1901, the four men gathered on a wooded hill in Yokohama overlooking Tokyo Bay to dedicate the nation for the preaching of the gospel. Alma O. Taylor, who was 19 years old at the time, later recorded in his journal that Elder Grant’s prayer carried a profound spiritual influence, noting that every word penetrated deeply.
The missionaries faced immediate hurdles learning the Japanese language and adapting to local culture. Despite these obstacles, Elder Grant baptized Hajime Nakazawa—the first Japanese member of the church—on March 8, 1902.
Early Translation Work and the Pre-War Dormancy
Elder Ensign served as mission president from 1903 to 1905. Elder Taylor remained in Japan for nine years, serving as mission president from 1905 to 1910 and overseeing the production of the first Japanese translation of the Book of Mormon, published in October 1909.
Missionary work continued through the 1920s before the mission was temporarily closed amid rising political tensions between the United States and Japan regarding immigration and related policies. During this period of dormancy, local leadership maintained the community, ordaining a Japanese presiding elder. Following World War II, Church leadership resumed contact with Japanese members, sending relief shipments of food and clothing before officially calling new missionaries back to the country in 1948.
Post-War Renewal and the Prophecy of Growth
On July 17, 1949, Elder Matthew Cowley of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles traveled to Tokyo to dedicate a renovated mission home. During the visit, he declared that the Church was "here to stay; we will never retreat again" and prophesied the future construction of temples in Japan.
Stakes, World Expo, and Institutional Expansion
Decades of rapid institutional growth followed. In March 1970, the Tokyo Stake—the first stake in Japan and all of Asia—was formally organized. That same year, the Church operated a pavilion at the World Exposition in Osaka, featuring an Angel Moroni statue atop a white building and a replica of the Christus statue.
Commemorating 125 Years in Yokohama
Speaking at the commemoration meeting in Yamate, Yokohama, on August 30, 2026, Elder Bednar addressed members gathered for the anniversary.
"The spiritual power that comes into our lives as we honor the covenants we make with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ has been blessing the Saints in Japan for 125 years — and will continue," Elder Bednar stated, as reported by the Church’s East Asia and Japan Newsrooms. "The work of the Lord will accelerate, according to His will and timing. And every single one of us plays a part in building up His kingdom."
Today, the Church encompasses 230 congregations across Japan’s islands, supported by seven missions, four operating temples, and another facility currently in the planning stages.
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