Bishop of Saitama
Rev. Don Mario Michiaki Yamanouchi, S.D.B., was born on 8 December 1955 in Oita, diocese of Oita. He entered the Salesian Novitiate in Manucho, Argentina, in 1975. He gave his perpetual vows on 24 January 1982. From 1976 to 1979 he studied philosophy and theology in Córdoba, Argentina. He holds a bachelor’s degree in theology and educational sciences. He was ordained a priest on 21 December 1984 in San Juan, Argentina, and returned to Japan on 26 February 1997. Since priestly ordination he has held various positions in Argentina, Japan and at provincial level. In Argentina: catechist at the Domenico Savio Institute in Córdoba (1985-1987; catechist at the Michele Rua Institute in Córdoba (1987-1991); master of novices at the Institute of San Michele in La Plata (1991-1992 rector of the Ramos Mejia House in Buenos Aires (1992-1996), and provincial counsellor (1987-1992) In Japan: he studied to regain mastery of the Japanese language at the Salesian Study Centre in Oita (1997-1998); then served as spiritual assistant at the Salesian professional school of Ikue and director of the religious community of Suginami (1999-2004), rector of the Salesian Theological School in Chofu (2004-2010), and spiritual director of the Mary Help of Christian Association (2010-2014). At provincial level: moderator of the Provincial Council of Salesians (2007-2008), provincial counsellor and delegate for the formation of Salesian families (2007-2009), provincial delegate for former pupils of Don Bosco (2009-2012), vice-provincial of the Salesians in Japan (2010-2014); rector of the Provincial House (2010-2014); and since 2014, provincial of the Salesian Society of Saint John Bosco (Salesians) in Japan.