With the end of  World War II in Japan, SSND congregational  leaders saw the need to help Japan rebuild and to build ties between the two countries.  When they were asked if the SSNDs would be willing to help rebuild the educational structure, the congregation quickly responded with a YES. On November 28, 1948 four sisters from the St. Louis Province set sail for Japan to begin a school for girls in Kyoto, Japan. In 1952 they opened a Junior High School and the following year a Senior High School. In 1961 the sisters of Japan opened Notre Dame  Women’s College in Kyoto.