Despite facing immense difficulties in learning Japanese, Fr. Cimatti wasted no time in starting his mission. Utilizing his musical talents, he focused on evangelism through music, organizing approximately 2,000 concerts nationwide to gather people and spread the Word of God. Three years later, the arrival of missionary sisters from the Salesian Sisters further energized and expanded the missionary activities. In Oita, the missionaries also began publishing materials for evangelization, including Don Bosco's Educational Method (1930).

Simultaneously, responding to Fr. Cimatti’s call, seminarians were sent from abroad to support the mission. In 1929, a seminary was established in Miyazaki. Parallel to this, the formation of Japanese priests began with the founding of Miyazaki Minor Seminary in 1932, marking the start of formation of Japanese members of the Salesian Society.

The pastoral work in Miyazaki led to the nurturing of women dedicated to welfare activities, eventually resulting in the establishment of the Miyazaki Caritas Sisters (now Caritas Sisters of Jesus).

In 1933, the first Salesian parish in Tokyo was established in Mikawashima. Two years later, a technical school, novitiate, and seminary were also relocated to Tokyo.

During World War II, the Salesians endured great suffering, yet the number of members ordained as priests increased annually. In 1944, the first Japanese Salesian priest was ordained. However, the loss of many seminarians who had been sent to the war was a profound sorrow for Fr. Cimatti.

Immediately after the war, the Salesians established a middle and high school in Miyazaki and began operating children’s welfare facilities for war orphans in Tokyo and Oita. This period also saw an increase in Japanese members, and by 1955, the Salesians had established a new missionary base in Gwangju, South Korea. Membership grew in Korea, eventually leading to the establishment of an independent province.

In 1950, the seminary, which had been in Nerima, Tokyo, was moved to Chofu. After stepping down as Provincial, Fr. Cimatti served as rector of the seminary from 1952 to 1962, guiding many young members. He passed away in 1965.

Despite his passing, the Salesian mission in Japan continued to flourish. A minor seminary was established in Kawasaki, further emphasizing the importance of vocational ministry. In 1995, the Salesians sent missionaries to the Solomon Islands, contributing to the eventual establishment of the Vice Province of PGS.

Over the years, various Salesian Family groups, such as the Salesian Cooperators and the Association of Mary Help of Christians, have been established in Japan. Today, eight such groups are officially recognized, continuing to embody the Salesian spirit in their mission and service.

Through these efforts, the Salesians in Japan have significantly expanded their outreach, rooted in the vision of Don Bosco and the pioneering work of Fr. Cimatti and the early missionaries.

Current Membership

- Total Members: 70
- Priests: 54
- Brothers: 11
- Seminarians: 5
- Perpetually Professed: 67
- Temporarily Professed: 3
- Pre-novices: 1

Salesian Works in Japan

- 1 elementary school
- 4 junior high/high schools
- 1 technical college
- 6 kindergartens/nurseries
- Child welfare facilities: 2
- Parish ministry: 11 parishes
- Ministry for immigrants in Japan: 3 locations (Chofu, Hamamatsu, Yamato).

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