Renzo De Luca SJ, Promotio Iustitiae no 138, 2025/5

Renzo De Luca, SJ, reflects on the challenges and opportunities of living in an increasingly secular Japan. Drawing from two decades in Nagasaki and active involvement in interfaith dialogue, he notes that secularization influences all religions—not just Christianity—indicating a broader cultural shift. Despite this, moments of crisis, like the tsunami and the pandemic, reveal a hidden spirituality that seldom appears in daily life. Looking at Japan’s history, from Saint Francis Xavier to Pedro Arrupe, De Luca emphasizes how missionary bravery, cultural adaptation, and genuine charity created pathways for the Gospel. He concludes that today’s crisis lies in hearing and communication, advocating for renewed methods that learn from and engage with modern culture while trusting that God still guides the mission.