“A place to believe, belong, and become.” That’s the motto of First Church of Christ, Scientist, Tokyo. This church offers a unique spiritual home in the heart of Shibuya-ku.
First Church Tokyo is a branch of The Mother Church. The Mother Church is The First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston. It creates a global network of faith and healing. Services here mirror those in Christian Science churches worldwide. All are welcome.
Miyo Matsukata was key to bringing Christian Science to Japan. Born in New York City in 1891 she was one of the first Nisei. Nisei means second-generation Japanese on the United States East Coast.
At 21, Miyo moved to Japan after marrying Shokuma Matsukata. Adapting to Japanese culture proved challenging affecting her health.
In 1917, Miyo attended a Christian Science lecture by Clarence Chadwick in Yokohama. This event sparked a profound change. She later wrote that she realized Christian Science had a divine Principle. Miyo began studying Christian Science. Two other Japanese women also embraced the faith. They were Sute Mitsui and Tatsuo Takaki. All three were committed. The faith challenged many rigid customs.
Florence E Boynton helped them. She was a Christian Scientist schoolteacher from America. Boynton helped them and their children in their study.
Around 1924, Frances Thurber Seal visited Japan. Seal had helped introduce Christian Science in Germany. She told Miyo about schools for Christian Scientists in the US. These were The Principia in Missouri and Principia College in Illinois. Miyo’s children later studied at these institutions.
Christian Science spread slowly in Japan. It gained strength through interconnected families. The first informal group met in 1924. By 1931, The Mother Church recognized them. They became Christian Science Society, Tokyo. Cultural and language differences posed challenges. People could only study Christian Science in English. This limited growth as most did not speak English.
World War II brought immense challenges. Japan began limiting Western influences. The Society in Tokyo disbanded in 1941. This anticipated a law requiring all Christian denominations to unite. They would unite under the “Christian Church of Japan.” Westerners left. Christian Science services continued secretly at Miyo’s home. This went on until the April 1942 bombing of Tokyo.
A period of isolation followed. Japanese Christian Scientists felt cut off from the world. Miyo found solace in an article. It reminded her that nothing could separate her from divine Love. Takashi Oka remembered Miyo’s strong connection. He was a Sunday School student then and later a correspondent. Miyo secretly collected Christian Science literature. It came from Swedish friends via diplomatic protection.
The war ended in 1945. This brought renewed contact with the outside world. Western Christian Scientists arrived. They were military chaplains and Monitor correspondents.
Miyo’s family hosted a Christmas party in 1945. Author Emi Abiko called it the first bright spot. It was in an otherwise dismal environment.
First Church Tokyo continues this legacy. It offers Sunday services in Japanese and English. Wednesday meetings provide shared experiences and spiritual insights.
Visiting First Church of Christ, Scientist, Tokyo offers more than just a service. It connects you to a global community. It also connects you to a history of faith overcoming adversity. It is a testament to the enduring power of belief.