It is possible for non Christians to be married in a Catholic wedding at a Catholic Church by a Catholic priest in Japan. As was mentioned, pre Cana classes are required and, depending on the Church, other classes in Chrisitanity may also be required. Performing these weddings is often seen as a means of evangelization in Japan and are not without controversy. I do not know what the stastitics are, but I am aware of non Christians who have become Christian in time because their first active encounter with the faith was at their wedding. It should also be mentioned that a Christian wedding is considered very romantic in Japan, not simply because it is exotic to the Japanese imagination, but also because there is an emphasis on mutual love that is often lacking in Buddhist or Shinto ceremonies. Indeed, many companies offer faux Christian weddings complete with a fake church and a fake priest (usually a westerner who is paid handsomely for his services). This emphasis on love is also one reason Christmas midnight masses are so crowded in Japan, even though there are so few Japanese Christians. Attending midnight mass is considered a highly romantic date, usually preceeded by an expensive meal and often followed by a trip to the local “love hotel.” Another reason Christian weddings are in high demand in Japan is because the Church is so deeply involved in education. Students often approach priests who have taught them in previous years to ask them to perform their weddings or wish to be married in the Church that was associated with their school when they were younger. Whether or not offering Christian weddings as a means of evangelization is appropriate has long been a topic of debate in Japanese Christian circles, but the fees generated by such weddings are very welcomed by many churches and I can’t see the practice ending anytime soon.
