James Paul Colligan is a citizen of the United States of America and a Roman Catholic priest who lived and worked forty years on assignment in Japan.  With advanced degrees in theology and education, he earned a Master's degree in journalism at Syracuse University in New York State.  The curriculum included photography.

Initially engaged in parish work in Kyoto and Hokkaido, he made Tokyo his base while serving as correspondent for Catholic News Service (CNS) headquartered in Washington, DC.

An honorary Life Member of the Foreign Correspondents Club of Japan (FCCJ) and a member of the Overseas Press Club (OPC) in New York City, he continues both priestly and journalistic pursuits.  Jim currently lives in Los Angeles, CA.