The Secretary General of the Anglican Communion, Bishop Anthony Poggo, has visited the Anglican Church in Japan (Nippon Sei Ko Kai) on 25 October where he was hosted by the Bishop of the Diocese of Tokyo, the Rt Revd Hiroyuki Takahashi. This was the second part of a programme celebrating the 40th anniversary of missionary cooperation between the Anglican Church of Japan and the Anglican Church of Korea. 

On Saturday 26 October, Bishop Takahashi presented an overview of the various programmes that the Diocese of Tokyo runs. They include environmental issues, working with the poor and with the Harassment Prevention committee. The diocese has intercessory links with the Diocese of Jerusalem and the Middle East and the Diocese of Maryland in the United States.

Bishop Anthony asked Bishop Takahashi if he had a message to share with the wider Anglican Communion. He said: “The Anglican Communion should feel like an Anglican family which should work together for the same goals. Although different, we should stay together.” He went on to talk about the poverty that exists even in Tokyo, including lack of sufficient food. The diocese is also struggling with environmental issues. He also explained that Christians in Japan are in the minority and that there are many other religions. The diocese is doing what it can to meet the needs of the people and stressed the importance of their interfaith work as well as collaboration with other ecumenical partners and faith communities.

The Nippon Sei Ko Kai is made up of nearly 300 churches, 11 dioceses roughly 22,000 members and over 180 active clergy. In 1859, the American Episcopal Church sent two missionaries to Japan, followed some years later by representatives of the Church of England and the Church of Canada. The first Anglican Synod occurred in 1887. The first Japanese bishops were consecrated in 1923. The Church remained underground during World War II and assumed all Church leadership after the war.

After visits to some religious sites, Bishop Anthony met with the Deeper Service Group which is a ministry of St Alban’s Anglican Episcopal Church in Tokyo. Its mission is to serve refugees, asylum seekers and other migrants coming to Japan. Speaking of his visit, Bishop Anthony said: “It was wonderful to learn about the excellent work that they are doing and to hear stories of the challenges faced by migrant communities. I have promised to share their stories and to connect them with others who can pray and possibly support and encourage them in their need.” Afterwards, he joined the community of St Alban’s for their Saturday Eucharist.

On Sunday 27 October, Bishop Anthony returned to St Alban’s for Eucharist and preached on the Gospel reading from Mark 10:46-52. He said: "Let us be like Bartimaeus who persisted. When we do so, we are likely to be heard. What kind of people do you keep around you? Those who encourage you, or those who are often negative about your progress? Let go of those who discourage you. Japan is known for hard work, time keeping and excellent quality of its products. Those of us from the Global South have something to learn from you. All these things, however, should not be at the expense of relationships.”

Bishop Anthony concluded his sermon by mentioning the Migrant Ministry, called the 'Deeper Service Group', saying: "It is encouraging to hear of your ministry to the migrant communities. As a person who has been a refugee when I was barely one year old and having now been displaced three times in my short life, I am grateful to this ministry. I agree entirely with what your slogan says that 'No one chooses to be a refugee'. I commend this important ministry to those in our society who need your help. They are like Bartimaeus, who cried out to Jesus. This church, the congregation here at St Alban’s and the wider community, like Jesus, have responded positively. I am deeply grateful for this ministry.”

Bishop Anthony and the Revd Ijeoma Ajibade (Chief of Staff at Lambeth Palace), who also joined the trip, spoke about their work. Bishop Anthony highlighted the work of the Anglican Communion. Revd Ijeoma, brought a message of appreciation from Archbishop Justin. After the service they joined a bring-and-share lunch at which there was food from all over the world. They then attended St Andrew Cathedral’s Bazaar which is next door. They were shown around by the Dean, the Very Revd Steven Jih Woong Tahk, who is originally from Korea.

Bishop Anthony said: “This has been a very special visit. I am pleased to see that the Church in Japan is doing an excellent job, especially in meeting the needs of the people and that over the 40 years of Japan-Korea cooperation, we are seeing fruits and flourishing. Long may it continue!”