Japan is a nation of ancient tradition and religious practices.  Few
Japanese have ever heard the gospel.  Christians face tremendous challenges
as they seek to tell the Japanese people about the Savior.

Japan is a grouping of several hundred islands in the western Pacific
Ocean.  The islands are located to the east of the Korean peninsula on
mainland Asia.  The islands are covered with rugged mountains.

The population of Japan exceeds 126 million.  Nearly all of the residents
are native Japanese.  Relatively few foreigners live in Japan.

Despite almost no natural resources, Japan is a world economic powerhouse.
 The economy is export oriented with huge trade surpluses.  Japan has
experienced setbacks over the last 10 years as Asia suffered through a
severe economic crisis.  The situation is improving, but the Japanese
economy is still rather fragile.

Since the end of World War II, Japan has operated as a constitutional
monarchy.  The emperor holds no political power.  The power resides with
the prime minister and parliament.  The government has remained stable
since the war.  The Japanese constitution guarantees freedom of religion.

The Shinto religion has ancient roots in Japan and contains elements of
Buddhism and Confucianism. Although few Japanese would classify themselves
as Shinto, most believe in its basic elements.  Many Japanese disclaim all
religion even if they participate.

New religions seem to hold a fascination for the Japanese people.
 Approximately 100 new religions are founded each year, and these religions
receive a significant following.  Most of the new religions are related in
some fashion to Shintoism.

Few Japanese are Christians.  Less the one half of one percent are
evangelical.  The Japanese people often make themselves too busy for
religion.  This is particularly true of men.  Women greatly outnumber men
in Japanese churches.  Japanese churches are usually small and scattered.

The Japanese cultural trait of seeking consensus makes witnessing difficult
for Japanese Christians.  Since Christians are far in the minority,
attempting to evangelize is an attempt to break the consensus of the
people.  Pray for the Japanese Christians that they may have courage and
boldness in their witness.

Japan is a difficult mission field.  Although missionary visas are fairly
easy to obtain, Japan presents a difficult adjustment for missionaries from
Western cultures.  The language is difficult to master and the cultural
barriers against Christianity are strong.  Many missionaries do not return
for a second term.  Pray for the missionaries in Japan that they may
survive the adjustment and have a fruitful ministry.

Japanese churches have sent out a relatively high number of evangelical
missionaries to other lands.  Pray for their ministries as well.