Japanese art historian converts to Orthodoxy

Dr. Saći Shimada, a Japanese art historian and professor at the University of Tokyo, has converted from Buddhism to Orthodox Christianity. Her conversion was driven by her deep fascination with the Nemanjić dynasty and Serbian spiritual heritage.

For 24 years, Shimada has visited the region at least 15 days a year, contributing her expertise to the restoration of frescoes in Serbian holy sites, including the chapel of King Dragutin at the Đurđevi Stupovi monastery. Upon her baptism, she received the name Anastasia.

Shimada’s work has fostered connections between Japan and the Balkans. In Teslić, her contributions to restoring historical sites have been recognized by local clergy, who noted her role in preserving the legacy of King Dragutin.