About Us

Talitha Kum Japan (Catholic Talitha Kum Japan) is the Japanese branch of the International Network “Talitha Kum,” dedicated to combating human trafficking and forced labor exploitation. In close collaboration with men’s and women’s religious congregations throughout Japan, our efforts focus on raising public awareness and supporting victims.

Although we previously operated as a subcommittee within the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Japan (CBCJ), we made a fresh start on January 22, 2026 as an independent voluntary organization, officially recognized by the CBCJ. We are collaborating and cooperating with the Association of Major Superiors of Women Religious in Japan, the Major Superiors Conference of Japan, and the Committee of Life, Peace and Human Rights of CBCJ.

Our mission is guided by the patronage of St. Josephine Bakhita, the patron saint of victims of human trafficking.

According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), an estimated 50 million people worldwide are suffering under “modern slavery.” Approximately 61% of the victims are women and girls. The proportion of children among the victims is also increasing, particularly girls subjected to sexual exploitation and boys forced into labor or criminal activities. Sadly, Japan is both a “destination country” for international human trafficking, where victims are brought from other countries, and a “country of origin” where serious forms of exploitation also occur domestically. We must never forget that this is an issue that concerns all of us.

Talitha Kum Japan, together with a network of women’s and men’s religious congregations, is working to raise awareness and address this issue. Many young people have also joined the network and are actively involved in these efforts. As the Bishop Advisor, I hope to do whatever I can, however small, to help eradicate human trafficking. I sincerely ask for your continued awareness, action, and support.

Bp. Gorō Matsuura, Episcopal Advisor (Diocese of Nagoya)