The Japan Territory is headquartered in Tokyo and led by Commissioners Jiro and Keiko Katsuchi. Its four divisions, consisting of 2,535 senior soldiers and 1,236 officers and employees, right now are focusing on integrated and holistic mission.
A small group of British Salvation Army officers arrived in Yokohama, Japan, in 1895. Although initially the group met with difficulty, the work was established. Those first officers were noteworthy, brave, wise and spiritually strong, but one of the most distinguished was Commissioner Gunpei Yamamuro. A prominent evangelist, he authored several books one of which, The Common People’s Gospel, has been reprinted more than 500 times and is available through Resource Connection.
Recovery work in Japan continues following the devastating earthquake and tsunami in the March 2011. By 2013 the total amount of donations from overseas and within Japan totaled $6.6 million. This has facilitated a feeding program, transportation opportunities, tools for work, and heaters for winter.
In April 2013 Commissioner Jiro Katsuchi led the opening ceremony for a new home for older adults called Megumi-no-Ie. The Salvation Army has a reputation for providing excellent nursing care at three facilities in the territory.
The number of newly commissioned officers in the territory continues to increase. Six cadets from the “Proclaimers of the Resurrection” session were commissioned and ordained in March 2013, and in April two cadets of the “Disciples of the Cross” session were welcomed for officer training.
Source: The Salvation Army 2014 Year Book
