On January 4, 1975, in a wooden chapel carved in traditional Japanese temple style on the outskirts of Akita City, a statue of the Virgin Mary began to weep. Sister Agnes Katsuko Sasagawa, a deaf nun who had experienced visions and heard messages from the statue since 1973, watched as the first tears appeared. Over the next six years, the statue would weep 101 times—witnessed by the entire community, photographed, and scientifically analyzed. The final weeping occurred on September 15, 1981, the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows, before television cameras and hundreds of pilgrims. In 1984, Bishop John Shojiro Ito of Niigata approved the apparitions as supernatural in origin, making this the only Church-approved Marian apparition in Asia.
The Seitai Hoshikai—Institute of the Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist—sits on a hillside above Akita's northern suburbs, surrounded by rice paddies and overlooked by distant mountains. The katsura wood statue at the heart of the devotion was carved in 1963 by sculptor Saburo Wakasa, twelve years before it began weeping. Its tears were analyzed by Dr. Kaoru Sagisaka, professor of forensic medicine at Akita University, who concluded they were human tears containing biological components identical to those in human lacrimal fluid. The statue's right hand bears a visible wound that bled and formed a cross-shaped scar—stigmata witnessed by dozens and documented in photographs.
The messages Sister Agnes received echo those of Fatima with startling precision. On October 13, 1973—the exact anniversary of Fatima's final apparition—the Virgin warned of coming chastisement if humanity did not repent, urged devotion to the rosary, and spoke of grave crises facing the Church. Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, as Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith in 1988, confirmed the validity of Bishop Ito's approval. The apparition has drawn pilgrims from across Asia and beyond, making this remote northern city a beacon of Marian devotion in a nation where Catholics number less than half a percent of the population.
📜 History & Spiritual Significance
The Diocese of Niigata, established in 1912 as an Apostolic Prefecture and elevated to a diocese in 1962, encompasses vast stretches of rural northern Japan where Catholic presence remains sparse. When Bishop Shojiro Ito founded the Seitai Hoshikai in 1970, he envisioned a contemplative community devoted to Eucharistic adoration. The sisters settled at Yuzawadai, a quiet hillside location on the outskirts of Akita City, where they built their convent and chapel in the distinctive Japanese temple architectural style—steeply pitched roofs, wooden construction, and clean horizontal lines.
Sister Agnes Katsuko Sasagawa, born in 1931, had lost her hearing completely before entering religious life. On June 12, 1973, shortly after arriving at the Yuzawadai convent, she witnessed brilliant rays emanating from the tabernacle during prayer. This date would become the principal feast day of Our Lady of Akita. On July 6, 1973, the wooden statue carved a decade earlier by Saburo Wakasa spoke to her for the first time, calling for prayers in reparation for sins and devotion to the Sacred Heart. A second message followed on August 3, 1973. The third and final message came on October 13, 1973—precisely on the anniversary of Fatima's final apparition in 1917—warning of divine chastisement and urging daily recitation of the rosary.
Sister Agnes's guardian angel, appearing as a young person of indeterminate gender radiating light, guided her through these experiences. The angel taught her prayers and explained the meaning of the messages. On June 29, 1973, Sister Agnes noticed a wound in the palm of her own left hand, forming a cross shape—stigmata that would appear and disappear over several years, witnessed and documented by the community. Similar wounds appeared on the statue's right hand on July 26, 1973, bleeding profusely on several occasions before forming a permanent scar.
The statue's weeping began on January 4, 1975, and continued intermittently until September 15, 1981—a total of 101 occasions witnessed by the sisters, visiting priests, pilgrims, and eventually television crews. Dr. Kaoru Sagisaka of Akita University's Department of Legal Medicine analyzed samples of the liquid and confirmed they were human tears, containing sodium chloride, proteins, and other components found in human lacrimal secretions. The composition varied between samples, just as human tears vary with emotional state. Professor Sagisaka testified that fabricating such tears would require sophisticated medical knowledge and equipment impossible in the convent's remote location.
On April 22, 1984, Bishop John Shojiro Ito issued a pastoral letter recognizing the supernatural character of the events at Akita. He declared that the faithful could venerate Our Lady of Akita and that the messages contained nothing contrary to faith or morals. This made Akita the first and only Church-approved Marian apparition in Asia. Four years later, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger—the future Pope Benedict XVI—as Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, confirmed that Bishop Ito's judgment was sound and in conformity with Church doctrine.
The apparition's messages emphasize themes familiar from Fatima: the rosary as a weapon against evil, devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, reparation for sins that offend God, and warnings of chastisement if humanity fails to repent. The October 13 message speaks explicitly of "fire falling from the sky" and predicts crises within the Church itself, with bishops opposing bishops and cardinals opposing cardinals. These apocalyptic warnings, combined with the miraculous phenomena surrounding Sister Agnes and the statue, have drawn pilgrims seeking Our Lady's intercession in troubled times.
Sister Agnes, now in her nineties, continues to live in the convent where the apparitions occurred. The chapel built in 2002 replaced the original smaller structure, though it maintains the traditional Japanese architectural style that characterizes the site. The statue remains in the same location where it wept, behind glass but clearly visible to pilgrims who visit during the limited open seasons.
☩ Pilgrimage Sites in Akita
The primary pilgrimage destination in Akita is the convent chapel where the statue of Our Lady resides. Two Catholic churches in the city also serve pilgrims, though neither offers the extensive facilities of major pilgrimage centers. The remote location and limited visiting hours require careful planning.
Seitai Hoshikai Chapel
Institute of the Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist
The chapel dedicated on May 1, 2002, houses the original wooden statue carved by Saburo Wakasa in 1963. Built in traditional Japanese temple style with a steeply pitched roof and exposed wooden beams, the chapel creates a serene atmosphere for prayer. The statue stands behind protective glass, the scar on its right hand clearly visible. A small museum adjacent to the chapel displays photographs documenting the weeping episodes, scientific analysis reports, and testimonies from witnesses. The convent maintains strict visiting hours—9:30 AM to 12:00 noon and 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM from April through November only—and closes entirely in December, January, February, March, and all of August. Wednesday visits are not permitted. Groups of thirteen or more require online registration in advance; individual pilgrims need no reservation but should verify hours before traveling. No resident priest lives at the convent, so Masses are not regularly celebrated. Pilgrims seeking Mass should plan to attend at one of Akita's Catholic churches.
Catholic Tsuchizaki Church
St. Joseph the Worker Parish
Located in Akita's port district of Tsuchizaki, this parish serves the city's small Catholic community and welcomes pilgrims seeking Mass. The church maintains regular Sunday liturgies and provides a local Catholic presence for visitors to the apparition site. The parish website offers Mass schedules and contact information for those needing sacramental services during their pilgrimage.
Catholic Akita Church
St. Augustine Parish
The central Akita church of St. Augustine offers three Sunday Masses at 6:30 AM, 9:00 AM, and 5:30 PM. On the fourth Sunday of each month, an English Mass accommodates international pilgrims and foreign residents. The church provides confession by appointment and serves as the pastoral center for Catholics visiting the apparition site who wish to participate in the sacraments. Phone inquiries are welcomed at 018-832-3254.
🕯️ Annual Feast Days & Celebrations
Feast of Our Lady of Akita — June 12
The principal feast commemorates June 12, 1973, when Sister Agnes first witnessed brilliant rays emanating from the tabernacle—the beginning of the supernatural events at Yuzawadai. Pilgrims gather at the chapel for special prayers and devotions, though the convent's limited capacity restricts large gatherings.
Anniversary of the First Message — July 6
On this date in 1973, the Blessed Virgin first spoke to Sister Agnes through the statue, calling for prayers in reparation for sins and devotion to the Sacred Heart. The anniversary is marked by rosary prayers and reflection on Our Lady's messages.
Anniversary of the Final Message — October 13
The third and final message received by Sister Agnes fell on October 13, 1973—the exact anniversary of the final apparition at Fatima in 1917. This date carries special significance as Our Lady warned of divine chastisement and urged daily recitation of the rosary. Pilgrims who visit on this date often pray the fifteen decades in solidarity with Fatima's message.
Our Lady of Sorrows — September 15
This universal feast day holds particular meaning at Akita because the statue's 101st and final weeping occurred on September 15, 1981. Devotees reflect on Mary's sorrows at the foot of the cross and the tears she shed for humanity through the Akita statue.
Anniversary of Bishop's Approval — April 22
Bishop John Shojiro Ito's 1984 pastoral letter recognizing the supernatural character of the Akita events gave the apparition official Church approval. This anniversary celebrates the discernment process that affirmed the authenticity of Sister Agnes's experiences and the statue's miraculous phenomena.
🛏️ Where to Stay
Hotel Metropolitan Akita ⭐⭐⭐ — Upscale hotel directly connected to JR Akita Station via an elevated walkway, offering maximum convenience for pilgrims arriving by Shinkansen. Modern rooms, Western and Japanese restaurants, and professional service make this an ideal base for exploring both the city and the apparition site. The location allows easy access to the bus terminal for routes to Yuzawadai. Website ∙ Reserve this hotel
ANA Crowne Plaza Akita ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — International hotel chain property located a three-minute walk from JR Akita Station's west exit. Comfortable rooms with English-speaking staff, fitness center, and multiple dining options cater to international pilgrims. The proximity to the station bus terminal facilitates travel to the convent. Website ∙ Reserve this hotel
Dormy Inn Akita (hotel) — Five-minute walk from Akita Station with Japanese efficiency and value. Natural hot spring bath and sauna provide relaxation after the day's pilgrimage, while complimentary evening ramen offers a taste of local hospitality. Clean rooms, reliable service, and excellent value make this popular with Japanese pilgrims. Website ∙ Reserve this hotel
Daiwa Roynet Hotel Akita Ekimae (hotel) — Modern hotel six minutes on foot from Akita Station with public baths, sauna, and European restaurant. Rooms offer contemporary comfort at moderate prices, with the convenience of proximity to transport links. Website ∙ Reserve this hotel
Comfort Hotel Akita ⭐⭐⭐ — Budget-friendly hotel four minutes from Akita Station offering free bicycle rentals for exploring the city, lobby coffee service throughout the day, and a breakfast buffet included in the room rate. English-friendly staff assist international pilgrims with directions and transport information. Website ∙ Reserve this hotel
🚗 Getting There
By Air: Akita Airport (AXT) receives domestic flights from Tokyo Haneda via ANA and JAL, with flight time approximately one hour and fifteen minutes. The airport limousine bus service connects directly to JR Akita Station, departing after major flight arrivals. Journey time is forty minutes, fare is ¥900. International pilgrims typically fly into Tokyo and continue by domestic connection or Shinkansen.
By Train: The Akita Shinkansen "Komachi" service runs from Tokyo Station to Akita Station, journey time three hours and forty minutes. Nearly hourly departures throughout the day make this the most convenient option for pilgrims traveling from Tokyo. The Komachi operates as a coupled train with the Hayabusa Shinkansen to Morioka, where it separates for the Akita branch line. Reserved seats are recommended, especially on weekends and holidays. From Akita Station, pilgrims must take a local bus to reach the convent.
By Bus (Station to Convent): From JR Akita Station's West Exit Bus Terminal, board routes 351, 352, 353, 360, 361, or 362 from Stand 12. Ask the driver for Yuzawa stop (Yuzawa teiryūjo). Journey time is approximately twenty minutes, fare ranges from ¥460 to ¥970 depending on specific route. From Yuzawa stop, follow signs uphill to the convent—a ten to fifteen minute walk on paved roads. The uphill climb is steady but manageable for most pilgrims. Return buses depart from the same stop; verify the schedule at the station or convent to avoid long waits, as service is infrequent. Alternatively, taxis from Akita Station to the convent take approximately twenty-five minutes and cost ¥3,000-¥4,000.
By Car: From Tokyo, take the Tohoku Expressway north, connecting to the Akita Expressway at Morioka. Total distance is approximately 574 kilometers with journey time around seven hours, not including rest stops. Parking is available at the convent. Rental cars are available at Akita Station and Akita Airport for those preferring independent transport.
📚 Further Reading
Teiji Yasuda, O.S.V. — Akita: The Tears and Message of Mary — The seminal English-language study of the Akita apparition by the former judicial vicar of Tokyo, meticulously documenting the phenomena, investigations, and messages. First published in Japanese in 1982, this work remains the definitive account. 101 Foundation, 1989.
Francis Mutsuo Fukushima — Akita: Mother of God as CoRedemptrix — Theological reflection on the Akita messages in relation to Marian doctrines and the role of Mary in salvation. Queenship Publishing, 1997.
John M. Haffert — The Meaning of Akita — Analysis by the co-founder of the Blue Army of Our Lady of Fatima, exploring connections between Akita and Fatima messages. Haffert visited Akita personally and interviewed witnesses. 101 Foundation, 1989.
Ted Flynn and Maureen Flynn — The Thunder of Justice — Comprehensive examination of Church-approved Marian apparitions including Akita, placing the messages in the context of Church teaching and eschatology. MaxKol Communications, 1993.
🎥 Recommended Videos
Akita: Our Lady Speaks from Japan — Fr. Elias M. Mills, FI, reflects on his April 2019 pilgrimage to Akita, documenting the chapel, statue, and surrounding area with historical context. Produced by AirMaria.com for YouTube.
🔗 Useful Links
Seitai Hoshikai Official Site — The convent's official website provides visiting hours, access information, reservation forms for large groups, and background on the apparition. English language section available.
Catholic Diocese of Niigata — Official diocesan website with information on parishes, Mass schedules, and diocesan events. Japanese language only, but essential for understanding the local Church context.
Diocese of Niigata (CBCJ English) — English-language page from the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Japan profiling the Diocese of Niigata with basic statistics and contact information.
Catholic Bishops' Conference of Japan — National conference website with news, documents, and information about Catholicism in Japan. Useful for pilgrims seeking broader context of the Church in Japan.
Our Lady of Akita — Akitachi Plus — Akita City's official tourism portal includes a page on the apparition site with practical visitor information and photographs.
Seitai Hoshikai — Japan National Tourism — Japan National Tourism Organization page provides context for international visitors including transport advice and regional tourism information.
Our Lady of Akita — EWTN Library — Article in EWTN's online library summarizing the apparitions, messages, and Church approval with theological commentary.
🧭 Nearby Pilgrimage Destinations
Nagasaki (1,200 km south) — The historic center of Japanese Catholicism, with its martyrs' museum, Oura Cathedral, and sites commemorating the 26 Martyrs of Japan and the atomic bombing that devastated the region's Christian community. While distant from Akita, Nagasaki remains Japan's most significant Catholic pilgrimage destination and complements the Akita pilgrimage for those exploring Japanese Catholic history. Flight connections from Akita via Tokyo or direct long-distance train routes make the journey feasible for extended pilgrimages.
🪶 Closing Reflection
"The sorrowful mysteries help the believer to relive the death of Jesus, to stand at the foot of the Cross beside Mary, to enter with her into the depths of God's love for man and to experience all its life-giving power." — Pope John Paul II, Rosarium Virginis Mariae, 2002
