25 years ago
The Tokyo Japan Temple was dedicated by President Spencer W. Kimball on Oct. 27, 1980, "in what was described as 'the most significant and important event in the history of Asia," reported the Nov. 8, 1980, Church News.
The article stated: "The temple, the 18th operating temple of the Church worldwide, is the first to be built in a non-Christian nation."
Joining President Kimball at the dedication, which had seven sessions, were his second counselor, President Marion G. Romney, current Church President Gordon B. Hinckley, President Ezra Taft Benson, president of the Quorum of the Twelve; and Elder Mark E. Petersen of the Quorum of the Twelve.
The temple, announced on Oct. 30, 1974, is in the midst of other Church facilities located in the heart of one of the world's largest cities. It is neighbored on one side by a park. A statue of the Angel Moroni was placed on the temple's spire on Dec. 10, 2004.
President Kimball dedicated the temple on a trip where he also presided over area conferences in South Korea, the Philippines, Hong Kong and Taiwan, and in Tokyo and Osaka, Japan.