WHY JAPAN?

UNREACHED

Christianity has been in contact with Japan for nearly 500 years, but Japan is still considered an unreached people group with a Christian population of less than 1%. Among the many factors and needs, we feel that one critical issue is that the men in Japan are not at church, but in the workplace. Work is a very big idol in Japan. Work is what many Japanese give their lives to, even if it sacrifices family. Working 10 hours a day, 6 days a week is not uncommon. It is considered a part of Japanese work culture where the husband lives separated from his wife and children while he is posted in a certain position in the company (to get a raise, etc). This is just a glimpse of the things we strongly believe need to be transformed by the Gospel. The culture, society, and the hearts of the Japanese people need to hear the Good News of Jesus Christ.

STRATEGIC

Japan is one of the wealthiest countries in Asia, with the 3rd largest global economy (2nd in healthcare). Japanese are known for their high quality products and unparalleled customer service. The Japanese culture is a very relational, demanding a high standard of respect and sensitivity to others. Japanese have a high standard of service and are sensitive to others and how their actions affect the people around them. Along with the cumulated business know-how, experience, and infrastructure, we believe that Japan will be a strategic hub for missions in Asia and around the world when the Japanese are mobilized for work of the Lord.

POTENTIAL

The young and capable leaders of Japan are in the workplace. Getting a good education is taken very seriously in Japan. It’s the determining factor of whether you get a good job. So the highly educated are at the large scale corporations, on the front-lines of the leading businesses that are sustaining the 3rd largest global economy in the world. However, most of these young men and women do not know Christ. They are not a part of the church. But, what if they were to give their lives to Christ? What would happen, when people who had been told that their worth is determined by their education and job learn that there is a God that loves them unconditionally? When they know how and for whom to use their talents? We believe a transformation of people, communities, and nations.

IMPACT

Business dominates the power structures in Japan. And currently, men are the major decision makers in Japan. One reality is that it is difficult for missionaries and pastors to be in touch with these business leaders because they do not go to church. In fact, most have never had any interaction with a Christian before. For many Japanese, work is life. They spend 10 to 14 hours a day at the workplace, 5 to 6 days a week. By working with and serving business men/women in the workplace, we build relationships that give us the right to speak Christ into their lives in an impactful way. Business can be a very dark place in Japan. But shedding the light of the Gospel will bring positive change to the workers and their families, to the community, and to culture.