Funakakushi Church

Funakakushi Catholic Church is situated at the innermost point of a deep inlet facing the Goto-nada Sea. The village name, which translates to “hidden boat”, perfectly describes the sheltered geography that once protected the vessels of its inhabitants. The parish’s formal journey began in 1927, when the community purchased a private residence to serve as their first chapel. However, as the building aged and the congregation grew following the return of soldiers and families after World War II, the need for a dedicated sanctuary became urgent.

Construction on the current church began in 1952, but the project became a test of the community’s endurance. Over the next four years, the building site was repeatedly battered by landslides and typhoons, which threatened to undo the labor of the parishioners. Refusing to give up, the community finally completed the church in 1956. Its simple, sturdy design is a reflection of the grit and determination required to maintain a spiritual center in the face of the islands’ harsh natural environment.