To contact Tokyo Masonic Lodge directly please email the Lodge Secretary at: tokyonumbertwo@gmail.com
Text below via The Grand Lodge of Japan website:
https://www.grandlodgeofjapan.org/qa.html
How can I become a Mason?
There’s a common misconception that joining Masonry is by invitation only. Nothing could be further from the truth. Masonry places great importance on the ‘free will and accord’ of the applicant. This means that no one will try to talk you into joining. It's up to you to decide if you want to become a Mason or not.
You become a Mason by joining a lodge. There are usually three steps:
•Finding out about Masonry.
•Choosing a lodge and getting to know the members.
•Submitting an application or ‘petition’.
Remember that the first step is up to you. If you know any Masons, don't hesitate to ask them about Masonry.
They'll be delighted to answer your questions. If you don't know any Masons, please contact the Grand Lodge of Japan and we'll do our best to answer your questions and put you in touch with a convenient lodge.
Do I have a choice of which lodge I join?
Yes. In theory, you could join any of the lodges governed by the Grand Lodge of Japan (the Research Lodge excepted).
In practice, your choice will depend on a number of factors, the most important being location, time of meeting, and membership. Masonic meetings are held at least once a month, so most people will apply to the lodge closest to them. Some hold their meetings in the afternoon, others in the evening. Each lodge has its own character or personality, and some people may choose to join a lodge that is slightly farther away, but whose atmosphere suits them better.
In Japan there's another important factor. For historical reasons, there are lodges of many different jurisdictions (Grand Lodge of Japan, Grand Lodge of the Philippines, Grand Lodge of Scotland, Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Washington, etc.), with different rituals and traditions.
If you're not sure about these differences, or need help with exploring the various options, please don’t hesitate to contact the Grand Lodge of Japan. We’ll be happy to refer you to any lodges you might find interesting.
What's the application procedure?
The application begins with the submission of a Petition Form, available from the Secretary of the lodge. You'll need two members of the lodge to sponsor you, so it's very important to get to know as many members as possible before you apply.
After receiving your completed Petition Form, the lodge will inform the Grand Lodge of Japan of your application. You will then be interviewed, in private, by several members of the lodge who will report their findings to the Master (elected chairman) of the lodge. If the findings are favorable, the lodge will hold a secret ballot on your application. If that ballot is favorable, a date will be set for you to become a member by receiving the First Degree of Masonry.
How long does it take to become a Mason?
Once you decide to apply, you'll probably want to join as soon as possible, but a little patience is needed. Each stage of your application will have to be discussed and approved at formal meetings of the lodge, which usually take place once a month.
On average, it takes two or three months from the time you submit your petition to the time you receive the First Degree of Masonry. If your petition is received just before the busy year-end season, or if other applicants are waiting in line, it might take a little longer.
Once you've received the First Degree of Masonry you'll be known as an Entered Apprentice. With time and study, you'll be able to receive the Second (Fellowcraft) and Third (Master Mason) Degrees.
How much does it cost to join?
Lodge fees are determined by Bye-Laws that have to be approved by Grand Lodge. Each lodge is free to set its own fees in accordance with membership numbers, expenses, and so on. As a very rough guideline, the average Initiation Fee is about 45,000 yen, and the average Annual Membership Fee is about 8,000 yen. Lodges also take collections for charity (‘alms’) but each member is free to contribute however much he likes.
Once I join, will I be able to visit other lodges?
Although there are a few exceptions, you'll have to wait until you become a Master Mason before you can visit other lodges. Once you become a Master Mason, you'll be able to visit any lodges recognized by the Grand Lodge of Japan. This includes dozens of lodges in Japan and thousands of lodges around the world.
I am a woman. Can I become a Mason?
Since its foundation in 1957, the Grand Lodge of Japan has accepted only male members. There are, however, some Grand Lodges that accept only female members, or who accept members of both sexes. Information about them is readily available on the Web.
I am a Mason visiting Japan. Can I attend the meetings of Japanese lodges?
Any Master Mason hailing from a jurisdiction recognized by the Grand Lodge of Japan is welcome to visit one or more of its daughter lodges. Unless the visit is a formal one, it is usually enough to contact the Secretary of the lodge beforehand. He will give you details of upcoming meetings, and brief you on what you should bring and how you should dress. Please see the following Q&A for more information.
Do I need to bring anything with me?
This will vary from lodge to lodge — another reason for contacting the Secretary beforehand and asking for details. Usually a current dues card or other document showing that you are in good standing with your mother lodge is sufficient. If you haven't brought any Masonic regalia with you, most lodges have a stock of aprons, etc. for visitors.
Do Japanese lodges have a dress code?
Yet again, this varies from lodge to lodge. On the whole, Japanese lodges tend to be more informal than lodges in, say, Europe. The Secretary will give you guidance on this.
How do I contact the Secretary of a lodge?
If you can't find a link on the Lodges page of this website, the Grand Lodge of Japan office will be happy to make an introduction.
For Tokyo Masonic Lodge Number Two: tokyonumbertwo@gmail.com
What language is used in Japanese lodges?
English or Japanese, and often a mixture of both. The ritual of the Grand Lodge of Japan is available in both English and Japanese versions, and the choice is left to the individual lodge. It is very common for lodges to switch languages to accommodate the needs of candidates and visitors.
https://www.grandlodgeofjapan.org/qa.html
How can I become a Mason?
There’s a common misconception that joining Masonry is by invitation only. Nothing could be further from the truth. Masonry places great importance on the ‘free will and accord’ of the applicant. This means that no one will try to talk you into joining. It's up to you to decide if you want to become a Mason or not.
You become a Mason by joining a lodge. There are usually three steps:
•Finding out about Masonry.
•Choosing a lodge and getting to know the members.
•Submitting an application or ‘petition’.
Remember that the first step is up to you. If you know any Masons, don't hesitate to ask them about Masonry.
They'll be delighted to answer your questions. If you don't know any Masons, please contact the Grand Lodge of Japan and we'll do our best to answer your questions and put you in touch with a convenient lodge.
Do I have a choice of which lodge I join?
Yes. In theory, you could join any of the lodges governed by the Grand Lodge of Japan (the Research Lodge excepted).
In practice, your choice will depend on a number of factors, the most important being location, time of meeting, and membership. Masonic meetings are held at least once a month, so most people will apply to the lodge closest to them. Some hold their meetings in the afternoon, others in the evening. Each lodge has its own character or personality, and some people may choose to join a lodge that is slightly farther away, but whose atmosphere suits them better.
In Japan there's another important factor. For historical reasons, there are lodges of many different jurisdictions (Grand Lodge of Japan, Grand Lodge of the Philippines, Grand Lodge of Scotland, Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Washington, etc.), with different rituals and traditions.
If you're not sure about these differences, or need help with exploring the various options, please don’t hesitate to contact the Grand Lodge of Japan. We’ll be happy to refer you to any lodges you might find interesting.
What's the application procedure?
The application begins with the submission of a Petition Form, available from the Secretary of the lodge. You'll need two members of the lodge to sponsor you, so it's very important to get to know as many members as possible before you apply.
After receiving your completed Petition Form, the lodge will inform the Grand Lodge of Japan of your application. You will then be interviewed, in private, by several members of the lodge who will report their findings to the Master (elected chairman) of the lodge. If the findings are favorable, the lodge will hold a secret ballot on your application. If that ballot is favorable, a date will be set for you to become a member by receiving the First Degree of Masonry.
How long does it take to become a Mason?
Once you decide to apply, you'll probably want to join as soon as possible, but a little patience is needed. Each stage of your application will have to be discussed and approved at formal meetings of the lodge, which usually take place once a month.
On average, it takes two or three months from the time you submit your petition to the time you receive the First Degree of Masonry. If your petition is received just before the busy year-end season, or if other applicants are waiting in line, it might take a little longer.
Once you've received the First Degree of Masonry you'll be known as an Entered Apprentice. With time and study, you'll be able to receive the Second (Fellowcraft) and Third (Master Mason) Degrees.
How much does it cost to join?
Lodge fees are determined by Bye-Laws that have to be approved by Grand Lodge. Each lodge is free to set its own fees in accordance with membership numbers, expenses, and so on. As a very rough guideline, the average Initiation Fee is about 45,000 yen, and the average Annual Membership Fee is about 8,000 yen. Lodges also take collections for charity (‘alms’) but each member is free to contribute however much he likes.
Once I join, will I be able to visit other lodges?
Although there are a few exceptions, you'll have to wait until you become a Master Mason before you can visit other lodges. Once you become a Master Mason, you'll be able to visit any lodges recognized by the Grand Lodge of Japan. This includes dozens of lodges in Japan and thousands of lodges around the world.
I am a woman. Can I become a Mason?
Since its foundation in 1957, the Grand Lodge of Japan has accepted only male members. There are, however, some Grand Lodges that accept only female members, or who accept members of both sexes. Information about them is readily available on the Web.
I am a Mason visiting Japan. Can I attend the meetings of Japanese lodges?
Any Master Mason hailing from a jurisdiction recognized by the Grand Lodge of Japan is welcome to visit one or more of its daughter lodges. Unless the visit is a formal one, it is usually enough to contact the Secretary of the lodge beforehand. He will give you details of upcoming meetings, and brief you on what you should bring and how you should dress. Please see the following Q&A for more information.
Do I need to bring anything with me?
This will vary from lodge to lodge — another reason for contacting the Secretary beforehand and asking for details. Usually a current dues card or other document showing that you are in good standing with your mother lodge is sufficient. If you haven't brought any Masonic regalia with you, most lodges have a stock of aprons, etc. for visitors.
Do Japanese lodges have a dress code?
Yet again, this varies from lodge to lodge. On the whole, Japanese lodges tend to be more informal than lodges in, say, Europe. The Secretary will give you guidance on this.
How do I contact the Secretary of a lodge?
If you can't find a link on the Lodges page of this website, the Grand Lodge of Japan office will be happy to make an introduction.
For Tokyo Masonic Lodge Number Two: tokyonumbertwo@gmail.com
What language is used in Japanese lodges?
English or Japanese, and often a mixture of both. The ritual of the Grand Lodge of Japan is available in both English and Japanese versions, and the choice is left to the individual lodge. It is very common for lodges to switch languages to accommodate the needs of candidates and visitors.
メイソンになるにはどうすればいいですか？
メイソンには、紹介がないと入会できないとよく誤解されています。これはまったく事実に反しています。
メイソンリーは、申請者の「自由意志と同意」を非常に重視しています。
これは、誰もあなたに入会を誘わないことを意味します。メイソンになりたいかどうかを決めるのはあなた自身です。
ロッジに参加することにより、メイソンとなります。
入会には通常、以下の3段階を経ることになります。
• メイソンリーについて知る。
• ロッジを選び、会員と知り合いになる。
• 申請書、すなわち「請願書」を提出する。
最初の段階を選ぶのはあなた自身であることを忘れないでください。誰かメイソンをご存じであれば、その人にメイソンについて遠慮なく聞いてください。
喜んで疑問に答えてくれるでしょう。メイソンの知り合いがいない場合、日本グランドロッジにご連絡ください。可能な限り質問にお答えするとともに、お近くのロッジをご紹介します。
入会するロッジを選ぶことはできますか？
はい、できます。理論的には日本グランドロッジが管轄する、どのロッジにも入会できます（ただし、リサーチ ロッジを除きます）。
実際には、いくつかの要素に基づいてロッジを選ぶことになるでしょう。もっとも重要なものは、場所、定例会の時間、そして会員です。
メイソンの定例会は、最低月に1回開かれます。そのため、ほとんどの人は一番近いロッジに入会を申請します。
定例会を午後の日中に開くロッジもあれば、夜に開くロッジもあります。ロッジごとにそれぞれ特徴や性格があるため、少し遠くても雰囲気が自分と合うロッジを選ぶという人もいます。
日本においては、もう一つ重要な要素があります。歴史的事情により、管轄の異なるロッジが数多く存在し（日本グランドロッジ、フィリピン グランドロッジ、スコットランドグランドロッジ、プリンス ホール グランドロッジ オブ ワシントンなど）、儀式や伝統もそれぞれ異なります。
こうした違いについてよくわからない場合や、色々な選択肢を検討する手助けが必要な場合は、遠慮なく日本グランドロッジまでご連絡ください。興味をお持ちの、どのロッジにも喜んでご紹介いたします。
申請の手順については？
まず、ロッジのセクレタリーから入手できる請願書を提出します。
申請には、ロッジの会員2人があなたの保証人になる必要があります。そのため、申請前にできる限り多くの会員と知り合うことがとても重要です。
記入した請願書を受け取ったロッジは、あなたの申請を日本グランドロッジに連絡します。
その後、ロッジの会員の数人があなたと個人的に面談し、その結果をマスター（選任された責任者）に報告します。
その結果が良い場合、ロッジではその申請に関する無記名の投票を行います。投票の結果、会員として認められれば、あなたが会員になり第1階級を授与される日程を設定します。
メイソンになるにはどれくらいの時間がかかりますか？
申請を決断したら、おそらく一刻も早く入会したいでしょうが、多少の忍耐が必要です。
申請の各段階において、ロッジの正式な定例会で議論し、承認される必要があります。定例会は通常月に1回開かれます。請願書を提出してからメイソンリーの第1階級が授与されるまでは、平均で2カ月から3カ月かかります。請願書の受領が年末の忙しい時期に差し掛かった場合や、他の申請者が手続き中の場合は、もう少し時間がかかることもあります。
メイソンリーの第1階級を授与されると、あなたはエンタード アプレンティスと呼ばれます。時間と学習が進めば、第2階級（フェロークラフト）や第3階級（マスターメイソン）の授与が可能になります。
入会にはどれだけ費用がかかりますか？
ロッジの費用は会則により定められ、その会則はグランドロッジにより承認を受ける必要があります。
各ロッジは、会員数、経費などに基づいて自由に費用を設定できます。非常に大まかな目安としては、入会費がおよそ45,000円、年会費がおよそ8,000円です
ロッジではチャリティーのためのお金（義捐金）も募る事がありますが、その金額は会員がそれぞれ自由に決めることができます。
入会後、他のロッジに訪問できますか？
いくつかの例外はありますが、基本的に他のロッジへの訪問は、マスターメイソンになるまで待つ必要があります。
マスターメイソンになれば、日本グランドロッジにより承認されているどのロッジにも訪問できます。つまり、日本の十数のロッジ、世界中の数千のロ ッジに訪問できるということです。
私は女性ですが、メイソンになることはできますか？
1957年の創立以来、日本グランドロッジでは男性のみを会員として受け入れています。
日本に訪れているメイソンですが、日本のロッジで開かれる例会に出席できますか？
日本グランドロッジによって認められた管轄からのマスターメイソンであれば誰でも、日本グランドロッジ管轄の兄弟ロッジに訪問できます。公式な訪問でなければ、通常はロッジのセクレタリーに事前連絡すれば十分です。次の例会の詳細、持参品や服装規定などを、セクレタリーが説明します。続くQ＆Aも合わせてお読みください。
持参すべき物は何かありますか？
これはロッジごとに異なります。このことも、セクレタリーに事前の連絡と相談が必要な理由の一つです。使用中の会員カードや、その他マザー ロッジでグッド スタンディングであることを示す書類があれば通常は十分です。メイソンの服装を持って来ていない場合、ほとんどのロッジでは訪問者のために予備のエプロンなどを用意しています。
日本のロッジでは服装規定がありますか？
これもまた、ロッジごとに異なります。全体的に、日本のロッジはヨーロッパなどと比べて平服に近い傾向があります。この点については、セクレタリーが案内します。
ロッジのセクレタリーに連絡する方法は？
このウェブサイトにロッジのリンクが掲載されています。そちらから連絡できます。掲載されていない場合、日本グランドロッジの事務局が喜んでご紹介いたします。
日本のロッジではどの言語が使われていますか？
英語または日本語です。また、その両方が使われている場合もよくあります。日本グランドロッジの儀式は、日本語と英語の両方が用意されていますが、その選択は各ロッジに委ねられています。候補者や訪問者の必要に応じて使用言語を変更することもよくあります。
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