St. Mary's Cathedral, Tokyo

St. Mary’s Cathedral in Tokyo is the Roman Catholic cathedral of the Tokyo archdiocese, designed by architect Kenzo Tange and completed in 1964. It is regarded as a landmark of modernist ecclesiastical architecture in Japan.

The cathedral is notable for its striking exterior forms and folded-plate roof that create a tall, light-filled interior. Visitors come to view the modern architectural design as well as to attend liturgies and cultural events.

The current concrete cathedral replaced an earlier structure and was completed in 1964 to serve Tokyo’s Catholic community; the design reflects postwar architectural trends and Tange’s international reputation.

The cathedral stands in central Tokyo within the Shinjuku/Yotsuya area, accessible from central Tokyo railway and subway stations.

• Design and date: Designed by architect Kenzo Tange and completed in 1964, the cathedral is an important example of postwar modernist ecclesiastical architecture in Tokyo.
• Architectural features: Known for its folded-plate concrete roof and dramatic interior volume; the building combines modern materials with a cruciform plan and prominent vertical lines.