The first religious order arrived in Kyoto's Kitashirakawa district in 1948. On December 8, 1948, they celebrated Mass in one of the rooms of the first residence. In 1952, a junior high school opened its doors and was named Rakusei, a word formed from two Japanese characters meaning "star of Kyoto." In its first year, the school welcomed 88 students. Currently, it has 1,325 students spread across 6 grades.
The parish of Saint Viateur in Kyoto was founded in 1948. It has grown over the years. The current church is the third place of worship. It was inaugurated in March 1993 and consecrated by Bishop Raymond Kenichi Tanaka, Bishop of Kyoto.
The Japan community belongs to the Province of Canada. Even today, the community is present in that country through the commitment of 28 associate Viatorians. They perform various duties and volunteer work at both the college and the parish.
