The intent to construct the temple was announced by church president Russell M. Nelson on April 7, 2019, concurrently with 7 other temples.[8][9][10]
A groundbreaking, to signify the beginning of construction, was held on December 5, 2020, with Takashi Wada, president of the church's Asia North Area, presiding.[11][12][13] The temple is a two-story 12,437 square foot building. A temple patron arrival center was added to an adjacent existing meetinghouse.[14] The temple was dedicated on November 12, 2023, by Gary E. Stevenson.[15]
The temple is the church's first to be built in Okinawa and the fourth in Japan, following the Tokyo (1980), Fukuoka (2000), and Sapporo (2016) temples.[14]
According to the church, there are more than 130,000 Latter-day Saints spread throughout more than 260 congregations in Japan.[16] The church has been in Japan since 1901. The temple serves native Japanese church members living on the islands, along with military personnel and their families assigned to Japan from other countries, such as the United States.[17]
Design and architecture
The building has a Japanese-inspired architectural style, coupled with a traditional Latter-day Saint temple design.[14] The architectural work reflects both the cultural heritage of Okinawa and its spiritual significance to the church.
Site
The temple sits on a 0.55-acre plot, and the landscaping around the temple features plants native to the area, such as Chinese hibiscus, fountain palms, and sago palms, with a Japanese rock garden behind the temple.[6] These elements are designed to provide a tranquil setting that enhances the sacred atmosphere of the site.
Exterior
The structure stands two stories tall, constructed with Sunset Gold Chinese granite.[6] The exterior includes arches over the windows, reminiscent of architectural elements found in traditional Japanese stone walls; the arches are connected by floral bands, similar to “the traditional karamon (gate) found in important Japanese gateways.”[18] These elements were each chosen for their symbolic significance with temple traditions.
Interior
The interior features floral designs inspired by Okinawan flora, centered around an “origami-inspired stair hall,” designed to create a spiritually uplifting environment.[6] The floral motif continues in the art glass, which is inspired by traditional bingata artwork.[18] The temple includes a baptistry, one instruction room, and one sealing room, each arranged for ceremonial use.[14] Symbolic elements are integrated into the design, providing deeper meaning to the temple's function and aesthetics.
Symbols
The design uses symbolic elements honoring Japan and Japanese culture, to provide deeper spiritual meaning to the temple's appearance and function. For example, the floral motif seen throughout the temple’s interior is intended to symbolize “the annual blossoming of trees in Okinawa.”[6]
Temple presidents
The church's temples are directed by a temple president and matron, each serving for a term of three years. The president and matron oversee the administration of temple operations and provide guidance and training for both temple patrons and staff.[19] Since its dedication in 2023, the first president of the Okinawa Japan Temple is Hiroshi Kinjo, with Takako A. Kinjo as matron
Admittance
On August 8, 2023, the church announced that a public open house would be held from September 23-October 7, 2023 (excluding Sundays).[20] The temple was dedicated by Gary E Stevenson on November 12, 2023.[21] Like all the church's temples, it is not used for Sunday worship services. To members of the church, temples are regarded as sacred houses of the Lord. Once dedicated, only church members with a current temple recommend can enter for worship.[22]
