World Church · November 1, 2026
Also published in Português (Brasil)
East Japan Diocese Fails to Elect Bishop in Second Attempt
The East Japan Diocese of the Church of Japan failed to elect a bishop during its second attempt, a result confirmed by the diocese's official website on October 23. The election took place on October 17 at the Cathedral of St. Andrew in Minato Ward, Tokyo, during the third extraordinary diocesan assembly. This outcome follows the merger of the former Tokyo and Northern Kanto dioceses, which officially established the new East Japan Diocese on May 23.
The initial election for the first diocesan bishop occurred at the first regular assembly on May 23. Three candidates were nominated, and after thirteen rounds of voting, Bishop Hiroyuki Takahashi, who had served as the bishop of the former Tokyo diocese and the administrative bishop of the Northern Kanto diocese, was selected. However, formal appointment requires the consent of other diocesan bishops and the candidate's acceptance. Bishop Takahashi did not assume the role. A personnel notice dated June 7 announced his resignation from his previous posts and his appointment as assistant bishop of the East Japan Diocese, though he has since been relieved of that duty as well.
The merger followed approximately five years of negotiations between the two former dioceses. The Northern Kanto diocese transitioned to a mission diocese in 2021 to foster collaborative ministry with the Tokyo diocese. This integration is part of a broader reorganization effort by the Church of Japan to unify organizational structures, finances, and personnel to build a new ministry framework. Bishop Kiyohumi Hasegawa, the bishop of the Tohoku diocese and concurrent administrative bishop of the East Japan Diocese, opened the October 17 assembly. He noted that he had initially expected to complete his administrative role by August but spoke candidly about the prolonged situation. He emphasized that the inconvenience, dissatisfaction, and concerns felt by the faithful regarding their church life far outweigh the difficulties of his administrative duties, calling for prayers for a new bishop.
The Church of Japan has advanced diocesan reorganizations in recent years due to declining clergy and laity numbers and financial challenges. In September 2025, the Kyoto diocese was approved to transition to a mission diocese, with Bishop Rentai Nishihara of the Chubu diocese serving as concurrent administrative bishop. A proposed merger between the Osaka and Kyoto dioceses did not materialize because it failed to secure the necessary internal support. In the East Japan Diocese, the administrative bishop holds operational authority, so the absence of a diocesan bishop does not immediately halt operations. However, concerns remain about the impact of a prolonged concurrent leadership arrangement on pastoral care and personnel matters. The diocese is scheduled to hold its fourth regular assembly on November 21.