Marcellino Taiji Tani: key obituary facts
Is Marcellino Taiji Tani dead? Yes. Marcellino Taiji Tani died on October 10, 2026, at age 73.
Cause of death: Marcellino Taiji Tani's cause of death has not been publicly confirmed.
What was Marcellino Taiji Tani known for?
He was a Japanese Roman Catholic Bishop.
More about Marcellino Taiji Tani
Born: 13 February 1953.
Place of birth: Hyōgo Prefecture.
Gender: male.
Occupation: Catholic priest, Catholic bishop.
Nationality: Japan.
Also known as: Daiji Tani, Tani Daiji, Marcellino Taiji Tani, Taiji Tani, Tani Taiji.
Marcellino Taiji Tani, a Japanese Roman Catholic prelate who served as bishop of Saitama, died on October 10, 2026, aged 73.
Born Daiji Tani in Takarazuka, Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan, on February 13, 1953, he was also known by the Japanese name Tani Daiji (谷 大二). He entered the Interdiocesan Major Seminary of Tokyo for priestly formation and studied philosophy and theology at Sophia University.
Tani was ordained for the Diocese of Urawa on March 21, 1986. His early ministry included a year as assistant parish priest in Urawa, from 1986 to 1987, followed by service as parish priest in Ageo from 1987 to 1994. He later held two roles in the diocese, serving as its chancellor and as parish priest of Tatebayashi. In May 2000, Tani was appointed bishop of the Diocese of Urawa, and he received episcopal consecration in September that year. He served as bishop of the Diocese of Saitama from 2000 until resigning in 2013. His career encompassed parish ministry in Urawa, Ageo and Tatebayashi, as well as diocesan administration and episcopal leadership.