(15) The difficulties of life in Japan and the language

(15) The difficulties of life in Japan and the language

April 2, 1926 from Miyazaki
To the Vicar General, Fr. Ricaldone Pietro

Dear Father Ricaldone,

I am summarizing this report in preparation for my monthly retreat. (Omitted)

１） Japanese people read everything, and there are heaps of German and French books translated into Japanese. But there are very few Catholic publications, close to none. ...As far as I know, there are no religious orders that have printing presses. ...

３） By law, foreigners cannot own property (unless they become naturalized), and they cannot have private elementary schools. Sisters can have kindergartens.... Sunday school can be held every day after school. The difficulty is equipping the faithful in apostolic work. They are very jealous of us working for non-believers, as if they are losing their position....

It's a good time. Any educational activity is well regarded and appreciated. ... Japanese people are very good at absorbing...

I hope you understand what I'm saying. As I twist and turn my thoughts to learn Japanese, I sometimes wonder what happens to "easy, pleasant-sounding, pure Italian"...

To understand the beauty of this season in Japan, just imagine the most beautiful things in nature. Greenery and flowers everywhere. Everywhere above the houses. Children, girls and women dressed like butterflies... The fields are beautifully ploughed (barley in ears, hoes, beans, rapeseed fields, preparations for planting, etc.). That's all I can say.

May Mary enlighten, illuminate and conclude everything during this Marian month. I embrace you in the Lord.

Your Father Vincenzo Cimatti

１）	Japanese people read everything, and there are heaps of German and French books translated into Japanese. But there are very few Catholic publications, close to none. ...As far as I know, there are no religious orders that have printing presses. ...
３）	By law, foreigners cannot own property (unless they become naturalized), and they cannot have private elementary schools. Sisters can have kindergartens.... Sunday school can be held every day after school. The difficulty is equipping the faithful in apostolic work. They are very jealous of us working for non-believers, as if they are losing their position....