On their way to the worldwide conference of the International Lutheran Council in the Philippines, bishop Ivan Laptev and general secretary pastor Evgeny Raskatov visited the most eastern pastor of the Ingrian Church, Dr. Hiroaki Yoshimura, on September 10-12, 2025. Two years ago, Hiroaki was ordained at St. Mary’s Cathedral (St. Petersburg) to teach at the Theological Institute and to minister in a small Lutheran parish in the Japanese capital.

Tokyo is home to the Lutheran community of the “Suomi Church” (Finland Church), which preserves its Finnish roots while seeking a new path. Christianity is a minority religion in Japan. Against this backdrop, the small “Suomi Church” is an example of how a local community, valuing its uniqueness and rigor doctrinal principles, is seeking ways to develop and bear witness within the complex religious landscape of modern Japan. The “Suomi Church” has existed for over 30 years. Its name and the use of greetings in Japanese, Russian, and Finnish demonstrate its multicultural nature.

Despite its small size—19 active parishioners and 28 so-called “passive members” (a term for those who have had no contact with the church for more than two years)—the community is very active. Following the service, there are studies of the Bible and Lutheran doctrine. There are also plans to restart the Sunday school, which closed in 2017.

A special feature of the “Suomi Church’s” mission is its work with the wider community. To attract people, it has organized a cooking club, a children’s club, a handicraft circle, and Finnish language courses. A short biblical message is shared at each such meeting. Four times a year, the church holds an Open Door event in the format of a “Church Cafe.” The community’s website is very active, with its sermons being read by up to 30,000 people.

We pray for the preaching of the Gospel in the Land of the Rising Sun!