Wikipedia

Okinawa Japan Temple

The Okinawa Japan Temple is a temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Okinawa, Japan.[3][4] The intent to build the temple was announced on April 7, 2019, by church president Russell M. Nelson during the church's general conference.[5] The temple is the first to be built on the island chain of Okinawa, and the fourth in the country of Japan.[6] A groundbreaking ceremony, to signify the beginning of construction was held on December 5, 2020, conducted by Takashi Wada, a church general authority.[7]

Okinawa Japan Temple
Map
Number186
Dedication12 November 2023, by Gary E. Stevenson
Site0.55 acres (0.22 ha)
Floor area12,437 sq ft (1,155.4 m2)
Height105 ft (32 m)
Official website • News & images
Church chronology
←
Bangkok Thailand Temple
Okinawa Japan Temple 		→
Lima Peru Los Olivos Temple
Additional information
Announced7 April 2019, by Russell M. Nelson[1]
Groundbreaking5 December 2020, by Takashi Wada[2]
Open house23 September-8 October 2023
Current presidentHiroshi Kinjo
LocationOkinawa, Japan
Geographic coordinates26°21′30″N 127°48′06″E / 26.3582°N 127.8016°E / 26.3582; 127.8016
Baptistries1
Ordinance rooms1
Sealing rooms1
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History

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The intent to construct the temple was announced by church president Russell M. Nelson on April 7, 2019, concurrently with 7 other temples.[8][9][10]

A groundbreaking, to signify the beginning of construction, was held on December 5, 2020, with Takashi Wada, president of the church's Asia North Area, presiding.[11][12][13] The temple is a two-story 12,437 square foot building. A temple patron arrival center was added to an adjacent existing meetinghouse.[14] The temple was dedicated on November 12, 2023, by Gary E. Stevenson.[15]

The temple is the church's first to be built in Okinawa and the fourth in Japan, following the Tokyo (1980), Fukuoka (2000), and Sapporo (2016) temples.[14]

According to the church, there are more than 130,000 Latter-day Saints spread throughout more than 260 congregations in Japan.[16] The church has been in Japan since 1901. The temple serves native Japanese church members living on the islands, along with military personnel and their families assigned to Japan from other countries, such as the United States.[17]

Design and architecture

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The building has a Japanese-inspired architectural style, coupled with a traditional Latter-day Saint temple design.[14] The architectural work reflects both the cultural heritage of Okinawa and its spiritual significance to the church.

Site

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The temple sits on a 0.55-acre plot, and the landscaping around the temple features plants native to the area, such as Chinese hibiscus, fountain palms, and sago palms, with a Japanese rock garden behind the temple.[6] These elements are designed to provide a tranquil setting that enhances the sacred atmosphere of the site.

Exterior

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The structure stands two stories tall, constructed with Sunset Gold Chinese granite.[6] The exterior includes arches over the windows, reminiscent of architectural elements found in traditional Japanese stone walls; the arches are connected by floral bands, similar to “the traditional karamon (gate) found in important Japanese gateways.”[18] These elements were each chosen for their symbolic significance with temple traditions.

Interior

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The interior features floral designs inspired by Okinawan flora, centered around an “origami-inspired stair hall,” designed to create a spiritually uplifting environment.[6] The floral motif continues in the art glass, which is inspired by traditional bingata artwork.[18] The temple includes a baptistry, one instruction room, and one sealing room, each arranged for ceremonial use.[14] Symbolic elements are integrated into the design, providing deeper meaning to the temple's function and aesthetics.

Symbols

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The design uses symbolic elements honoring Japan and Japanese culture, to provide deeper spiritual meaning to the temple's appearance and function. For example, the floral motif seen throughout the temple’s interior is intended to symbolize “the annual blossoming of trees in Okinawa.”[6]

Temple presidents

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The church's temples are directed by a temple president and matron, each serving for a term of three years. The president and matron oversee the administration of temple operations and provide guidance and training for both temple patrons and staff.[19] Since its dedication in 2023, the first president of the Okinawa Japan Temple is Hiroshi Kinjo, with Takako A. Kinjo as matron

Admittance

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On August 8, 2023, the church announced that a public open house would be held from September 23-October 7, 2023 (excluding Sundays).[20] The temple was dedicated by Gary E Stevenson on November 12, 2023.[21] Like all the church's temples, it is not used for Sunday worship services. To members of the church, temples are regarded as sacred houses of the Lord. Once dedicated, only church members with a current temple recommend can enter for worship.[22]

See also

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Temples in Japan

  = Operating
  = Under construction
  = Announced
  = Temporarily Closed

 
Side detail

References

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  1. ^ "Prophet Announces Eight New Temples at April 2019 General Conference", Newsroom, LDS Church, 7 April 2019
  2. ^ "Okinawa Japan Temple to 'Bless the Entire Community'", newsroom, LDS Church, 5 December 2020, retrieved 28 September 2023
  3. ^ "Exterior Renderings Released For Okinawa Japan, Cobán Guatemala Temples", KSL-TV, May 26, 2020. Retrieved on 6 January 2021.
  4. ^ "Renderings for planned designs for two new temples released", KSL (radio network), May 25, 2020. Retrieved on 6 January 2021.
  5. ^ "President Russell M. Nelson: 'Closing Remarks'". Church News. 2019-04-07. Retrieved 2024-10-04.
  6. ^ a b c d e "Okinawa Japan Temple". Church News. Retrieved 2024-10-04.
  7. ^ "Ground broken on Japan's 4th temple — the Okinawa Japan Temple". Church News. 2020-12-05. Retrieved 2024-10-04.
  8. ^ The Pago Pago American Samoa, Neiafu Tonga, Deseret Peak Utah (announced as Tooele Valley Utah), Moses Lake Washington, San Pedro Sula Honduras, Antofagasta Chile,and Budapest Hungary temples.
  9. ^ "LDS Church to build 8 new temples, renovate Salt Lake City one", KTVB, April 8, 2019. Retrieved on 6 January 2021.
  10. ^ "Mormons get back to basics at church’s General Conference", April 8, 2019. Retrieved on 6 January 2021.
  11. ^ "A complete list of temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints", Deseret News, Dec 14, 2020. Retrieved on 6 January 2021.
  12. ^ "LDS Church breaks ground for Okinawa Japan Temple", KUTV, Dec 5, 2020. Retrieved on 6 January 2021.
  13. ^ "Church breaks ground for Okinawa, Japan Temple", KTVX, Dec 5, 2020. Retrieved on 6 January 2021.
  14. ^ a b c d "Okinawa Japan Temple | ChurchofJesusChristTemples.org". Temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Retrieved 2024-10-04.
  15. ^ "Elder Stevenson Dedicates Okinawa Japan Temple: From World War II's final battle site to Japan's fourth temple, 'a symbol of peace'", Newsroom, LDS Church, 2023-11-12
  16. ^ "Facts and Statistics, Country information: Japan", Newsroom, LDS Church
  17. ^ "Prophet Announces Eight New Temples at April 2019 General Conference", Newsroom, LDS Church, 2019-04-07
  18. ^ a b "See the Japanese design influence in the new Okinawa temple as interior, exterior photos are released". Church News. 2023-09-21. Retrieved 2024-10-04.
  19. ^ "Presidents and Matrons of the Okinawa Japan Temple | ChurchofJesusChristTemples.org". Temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Retrieved 2024-10-04.
  20. ^ "Open house reservations available for Okinawa Japan Temple". Church News. 2023-08-08. Retrieved 2024-10-04.
  21. ^ "In a place once defined by war, Elder Stevenson dedicates the Okinawa Japan Temple, a symbol of peace and unity". Church News. 2023-11-12. Retrieved 2024-10-04.
  22. ^ "Inside Temples". www.churchofjesuschrist.org. Retrieved 2024-10-04.
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