This review article aims to provide an overview of the existing literature on Roman Catholicism in modern Japan post-1873, focussing on works that address its societal impact. It orients readers in the historical context of Roman Catholic mission and social contributions to modern Japan. The scholarship indicates the conservative beginnings of the French mission in Japan, and the uneven development of the Church, fuelled by the ‘conversion’ of low socio-economic groups of so-called ‘Hidden Christians’ in the south. As time went on there was a gradual expansion of Catholic educational institutions that were attended by those who had higher socio-economic means, or with elite status. Topics covered in this article include the Catholic missions, education, women's contributions and recent demographic changes that impact Catholic identity. As a reflection of the author’s area of interest, special attention is paid to the case of the Urakami, or Nagasaki Catholics, and the 1945 atomic bombing.