季刊 THE JAPAN MISSION JOURNAL
2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006
back number 2025 Spring Summer Autumn Winter
Contact :
＆ For article contribution and further information.
THE JAPAN MISSION JOURNAL
We present you the Spring 2025 issue of the Japan Mission Journal. In it you will find articles of scholars working in Japan and or having a link with Japan and Asia. In her essay, which is extracted from her contribution to the First Symposium on Buddhism and Neoplatonism, J.P. Williams introduces the readers to the teachings of Master Hongzhi Zhengjue on returning to the source. For the French literature lovers, Christian Belin brings in Bossuet’s contemplation of death. His text brings the readers to a new approach of the reality of death. Roger V. Munsi makes us discover the deep meaning of the practices in the Kakure (hidden) Kirishitan (Christians) religious culture in Japan. In his article, Paul Hedges analyses Pope Francis’s visit in Singapore in the context of Interreligious Dialogue promoted by Vatican II. Honoré Kabundi’s article will bring in a new approach to the discussion about women’s participation in the leadership and the mission of the Church. Nishimura Momoko, a Japanese Nun also relates her experience as a delegate at the Synod on Synodality in Rome. We recommend these articles to you.
（Editor: Honoré Kabundi, cicm)
このページの先頭
THE JAPAN MISSION JOURNAL
I recommend the JMJ Summer issue.
Pope Leo XIV, in his first "Urbi et Orbi" addressed the city and the world, paid tribute to the inclusive spirit of his predecessor, Pope Francis, and emphasized the Church's mission to build bridges and dialogues. The Pope has made it clear that he advocates for world peace and maintains the broad impetus of the late Pope Francis' pontificate. People expect that Pope Leo will carry on and continue the legacy of his predecessor. The attitude of both popes is rooted in the teachings of the Second Vatican Council, as recalled in the first essay of the summer issue of The Japan Mission Journal. In the three essays that follow, the topic of religion and the path to God is discussed, including a dialogue with the Shinto Lord about the essence of Shintoism. I recommend the JMJ Summer issue for your information, the review of the Vatican II, the Synod, and religious pluralism.
（Editor: Honoré Kabundi, cicm)
THE JAPAN MISSION JOURNAL
The Autumn 2025 issue of the JMJ opens with a profound exploration of “holiness in Shinto and Scripture”, a dialogue that reveals unexpected resonances between Japan’s indigenous religious sensibilities and the biblical vision of sanctity. It then commemorates the “60th anniversary of Nostra Aetate”, the landmark declaration that transformed the Church’s relationship with other religions. The readers are guided into the interior depths of “mysticism across religions”, illuminating how the human longing for union with the Divine transcends cultural and doctrinal divides. Turning the gaze to East Asia, it presents a thoughtful study on “Taiwan and the witness of a marginal Church”, a reminder that the Gospel often shines most brightly from the peripheries. Additionally, it presents an engaging reflection on “two Danish thinkers of faith”, whose intellectual and spiritual legacies continue to challenge and inspire contemporary Christian thought. Finally, this issue concludes with “The Autumn 2025 issue of the JMJ opens with a profound exploration of “holiness in Shinto and Scripture”, a dialogue that reveals unexpected resonances between Japan’s indigenous religious sensibilities and the biblical vision of sanctity. It then commemorates the “60th anniversary of Nostra Aetate”, the landmark declaration that transformed the Church’s relationship with other religions. The readers are guided into the interior depths of “mysticism across religions”, illuminating how the human longing for union with the Divine transcends cultural and doctrinal divides. Turning the gaze to East Asia, it presents a thoughtful study on “Taiwan and the witness of a marginal Church”, a reminder that the Gospel often shines most brightly from the peripheries. Additionally, it presents an engaging reflection on “two Danish thinkers of faith”, whose intellectual and spiritual legacies continue to challenge and inspire contemporary Christian thought. Finally, this issue concludes with “two meditations”, offering our readers moments of quiet contemplation—an invitation to pause, breathe, and encounter the gentle movements of grace.”, offering our readers moments of quiet contemplation—an invitation to pause, breathe, and encounter the gentle movements of grace.
（Editor: Honoré Kabundi, cicm)
THE JAPAN MISSION JOURNAL
The Winter Issue of JMJ (Vol. 79.4) features a diverse collection of studies that explore the Church’s mission, memory, and dialogue in today’s world. Covering theology, history, anthropology, ethics, and spirituality, this issue encourages readers to consider how faith continues to engage culture and influence human experience.
Thomas O’Loughlin redefines the theological agenda of inculturation, offering new insights into how the Gospel takes hold in different cultures. Joseph S. O’Leary traces the development from Constantine to the modern feast of Christ the King, exploring its theological and political meanings. James H. Kroeger revisits Paul VI’s landmark exhortation, emphasizing its lasting impact on current evangelization. Fulvio De Giorgi examines the Rosminian influences in Pope Francis’s vision for church renewal and moral growth. Christian Mukadi analyzes nuclear weapons through the framework of colonial history, proposing an ethic that safeguards all life. Roger Vanzila Munsi presents a theological–anthropological study of the orasho tradition among the Kakure Kirishitan, where sound, memory, and spirit connect. Frances Oka discusses Martha and Mary, shedding light on the balance between action and contemplation in Christian discipleship. Updated Statistics of the Church in Japan (2024) offer a snapshot of the church’s current pastoral situation. Lastly, a complete list of the year’s scholarly contributions is included.
(Editor: Honoré Kabundi, cicm)
JMJ is a useful tool for both libraries and personal reference.
It may be ordered from
Oriens Institute for Religious Research
2-28-5 Matsubara, Setagaya-ku 156-0043, Tokyo, Japan
Tel.81-3-3322-7601 FAX. 81-3-3325-5322
Contact:
Please make your check to Oriens in U.S. dollars to avoid prohibitive conversion rates.
back number 2025 Spring Summer Autumn Winter
Contact :
＆ For article contribution and further information.THE JAPAN MISSION JOURNAL
SPRING 2025 VOL. 79, NO.1
CONTENTS
| J. P. Williams | Lost in Wonder: Master Hongzhi on Returning to the source |
| Christian Belin | Opening a Tomb, Opening the Heart: Bossuet’s Contemplation of Death |
| Roger Vanzila Munsi | Nakae no shima’s Holy Water in Kakure Kirishitan Religious Culture |
| Paul Hedges | Pope Francis in Singapore and Vatican II’s Call for Interreligious Dialogue |
| Honoré Kabundi Mukengeshayi | Women’s Participation in the Leadership and the Mission of the Church |
| Nishimura Momoko | A Synodal Church to Preach the Gospel |
| Book review | Yaron Z. Eliav, A Jew in the Roman Bathhouse (Thomas O’Loughlin) |
We present you the Spring 2025 issue of the Japan Mission Journal. In it you will find articles of scholars working in Japan and or having a link with Japan and Asia. In her essay, which is extracted from her contribution to the First Symposium on Buddhism and Neoplatonism, J.P. Williams introduces the readers to the teachings of Master Hongzhi Zhengjue on returning to the source. For the French literature lovers, Christian Belin brings in Bossuet’s contemplation of death. His text brings the readers to a new approach of the reality of death. Roger V. Munsi makes us discover the deep meaning of the practices in the Kakure (hidden) Kirishitan (Christians) religious culture in Japan. In his article, Paul Hedges analyses Pope Francis’s visit in Singapore in the context of Interreligious Dialogue promoted by Vatican II. Honoré Kabundi’s article will bring in a new approach to the discussion about women’s participation in the leadership and the mission of the Church. Nishimura Momoko, a Japanese Nun also relates her experience as a delegate at the Synod on Synodality in Rome. We recommend these articles to you.
（Editor: Honoré Kabundi, cicm)
このページの先頭
THE JAPAN MISSION JOURNAL
SUMMER 2025 VOL. 79, NO.2
CONTENTS
| James H. Kroeger, MM | Exploring the Treasures of Vatican II |
| Thomas O’Loughlin | The 2024 Synod’s Final Document: A Fight against Clericalism |
| Hoang-Chuong Nguyeni | All Religions are Ways/道 to God! |
| Kato Taishi | Nature, Rituals, and Kami: Discovering the Essence of Shinto |
| Marie-Anne Lescourret | In the Name of God |
| Michiel Herman | Takizawa Katsumi’s Critical Encounter with Karl Barth |
I recommend the JMJ Summer issue.
Pope Leo XIV, in his first "Urbi et Orbi" addressed the city and the world, paid tribute to the inclusive spirit of his predecessor, Pope Francis, and emphasized the Church's mission to build bridges and dialogues. The Pope has made it clear that he advocates for world peace and maintains the broad impetus of the late Pope Francis' pontificate. People expect that Pope Leo will carry on and continue the legacy of his predecessor. The attitude of both popes is rooted in the teachings of the Second Vatican Council, as recalled in the first essay of the summer issue of The Japan Mission Journal. In the three essays that follow, the topic of religion and the path to God is discussed, including a dialogue with the Shinto Lord about the essence of Shintoism. I recommend the JMJ Summer issue for your information, the review of the Vatican II, the Synod, and religious pluralism.
（Editor: Honoré Kabundi, cicm)
THE JAPAN MISSION JOURNAL
AUTUMN 2025 VOL. 79, NO.3
CONTENTS
| Meg Nakano | Holiness in Shinto and Scripture |
| Honoré Kabundi M. CICM | Nostra Aetate: A Watershed in the History of the Church: 60 Years of Interfaith Dialogue |
| Thorsten Botz-Bornstein | Mysticism Across Religions |
| Stanislas Lukusa Mufula, CICM | Taiwan: The Witness of a Marginal Church |
| Michiel Herman | Two Danish Thinkers of Faith |
| Thomas Plant | Two Meditations |
The Autumn 2025 issue of the JMJ opens with a profound exploration of “holiness in Shinto and Scripture”, a dialogue that reveals unexpected resonances between Japan’s indigenous religious sensibilities and the biblical vision of sanctity. It then commemorates the “60th anniversary of Nostra Aetate”, the landmark declaration that transformed the Church’s relationship with other religions. The readers are guided into the interior depths of “mysticism across religions”, illuminating how the human longing for union with the Divine transcends cultural and doctrinal divides. Turning the gaze to East Asia, it presents a thoughtful study on “Taiwan and the witness of a marginal Church”, a reminder that the Gospel often shines most brightly from the peripheries. Additionally, it presents an engaging reflection on “two Danish thinkers of faith”, whose intellectual and spiritual legacies continue to challenge and inspire contemporary Christian thought. Finally, this issue concludes with “The Autumn 2025 issue of the JMJ opens with a profound exploration of “holiness in Shinto and Scripture”, a dialogue that reveals unexpected resonances between Japan’s indigenous religious sensibilities and the biblical vision of sanctity. It then commemorates the “60th anniversary of Nostra Aetate”, the landmark declaration that transformed the Church’s relationship with other religions. The readers are guided into the interior depths of “mysticism across religions”, illuminating how the human longing for union with the Divine transcends cultural and doctrinal divides. Turning the gaze to East Asia, it presents a thoughtful study on “Taiwan and the witness of a marginal Church”, a reminder that the Gospel often shines most brightly from the peripheries. Additionally, it presents an engaging reflection on “two Danish thinkers of faith”, whose intellectual and spiritual legacies continue to challenge and inspire contemporary Christian thought. Finally, this issue concludes with “two meditations”, offering our readers moments of quiet contemplation—an invitation to pause, breathe, and encounter the gentle movements of grace.”, offering our readers moments of quiet contemplation—an invitation to pause, breathe, and encounter the gentle movements of grace.
（Editor: Honoré Kabundi, cicm)
THE JAPAN MISSION JOURNAL
WINTER 2025 VOL. 79, NO.4
CONTENTS
| Thomas O’Loughlin | Inculturation: Reframing the Agenda |
| Joseph S. O’Leary | From Constantine to Christ the King |
| James H. Kroeger | Pope Paul VI’s Evangelii NuntiandiInsights and Impact |
| Fulvio De Giorgi | Pope Francis’s Rosminianism and the Regeneration of the Church |
| Christian Mukadi Ilunga, SJ |
Nuclear weapons and the Spectrum of Colonialism: Toward an Ethic of Protecting All Life |
| Roger Vanzila Munsi | Sound, Memory, and Spirit: Theology and Anthropology of the Orasho among the Kakure Kirishitan Practitioners |
| Frances Oka | Martha and Mary: Service and Contemplation |
| Trends & Events | Statistics of the Church in Japan 2024 |
| Index of Authors and Articles 2025 |
The Winter Issue of JMJ (Vol. 79.4) features a diverse collection of studies that explore the Church’s mission, memory, and dialogue in today’s world. Covering theology, history, anthropology, ethics, and spirituality, this issue encourages readers to consider how faith continues to engage culture and influence human experience.
Thomas O’Loughlin redefines the theological agenda of inculturation, offering new insights into how the Gospel takes hold in different cultures. Joseph S. O’Leary traces the development from Constantine to the modern feast of Christ the King, exploring its theological and political meanings. James H. Kroeger revisits Paul VI’s landmark exhortation, emphasizing its lasting impact on current evangelization. Fulvio De Giorgi examines the Rosminian influences in Pope Francis’s vision for church renewal and moral growth. Christian Mukadi analyzes nuclear weapons through the framework of colonial history, proposing an ethic that safeguards all life. Roger Vanzila Munsi presents a theological–anthropological study of the orasho tradition among the Kakure Kirishitan, where sound, memory, and spirit connect. Frances Oka discusses Martha and Mary, shedding light on the balance between action and contemplation in Christian discipleship. Updated Statistics of the Church in Japan (2024) offer a snapshot of the church’s current pastoral situation. Lastly, a complete list of the year’s scholarly contributions is included.
(Editor: Honoré Kabundi, cicm)
It may be ordered from
Oriens Institute for Religious Research
2-28-5 Matsubara, Setagaya-ku 156-0043, Tokyo, Japan
Tel.81-3-3322-7601 FAX. 81-3-3325-5322
Contact:
Please make your check to Oriens in U.S. dollars to avoid prohibitive conversion rates.
バナースペース
オリエンス宗教研究所
〒156-0043
東京都世田谷区松原2-28-5
Tel 03-3322-7601
Fax 03-3325-5322
MAIL 