URAWA, APOSTOLIC PREFECTURE of. – Situated in the central-eastern region of the island of Hondo, northwest of Tokyo, it comprises the civil provinces of Gumma, Tochigi, Ibaraki, and Saitama, whose combined area is 22,666 sq. km.
On 15 June 1891, the archdiocese of Tokyo was erected; on 9 November 1937, it was divided through the erection of the diocese of Yokohama. The latter was dismembered on 5 January 1939 for the creation of the apostolic prefecture of U., which was entrusted to the Order of Friars Minor. On 10 October 1940, the mission passed to the Japanese secular clergy. The dominant religion, as indeed throughout Japan, is Buddhism, and there are famous shrines that attract numerous pilgrims. Shintoism is widespread especially in the civil province of Ibaraki. Of a population of 7,337,707 inhabitants, there are 3,771 Catholics, with 1,028 catechumens; 3,500 Protestants. Missionary personnel: 2 national and 30 foreign priests; 8 brothers; 11 sisters; 5 major seminarians; 13 catechists. There are 13 prayer schools; 7 kindergartens; a pharmacy; 20 sacred buildings; 19 quasi-parishes; 16 primary and 35 secondary stations. A newspaper is published there, with a circulation of 5,000 copies.
In 1873, Frs. Vigroux and Lecomte, of the Society of the Foreign Missions of Paris, began their periodic visits from Tokyo to that part of the territory called «Kanto». In 1880, Fr. Lecomte made the four provinces mentioned above the permanent field of his ministry, until 1891. Shortly thereafter, Fr. Cadilhac assumed responsibility for the province of Tochigi and worked tirelessly for 45 years to spread the faith in this territory; in 1892, Fr. Myrand began his apostolate in the province of Saitama. In 1896, Fr. Fournier established his residence in the city of Mito, for the evangelization of the province of Ibaraki. In 1908, Fr. Giraudias settled in the city of Maebashi, charged with the care of the province of Gumma. In 1916, six Franciscans from the Canadian province of St. Joseph were entrusted with the entire region.