Introduction / History

The Swedish-Japanese Society was founded in Sweden in 1919. Its purpose was to promote understanding and appreciation of Japanese culture in Sweden. In recent decades, the Japanese have come to European countries like Sweden for business purposes.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Japanese in Sweden have a high education level. Many are in the corporate world. Others have excelled in the areas of acting, the arts and music.

The Japanese in Sweden have had to adjust to a very different language and culture. However, there are many similarities. The Japanese feel at home with the similar home décor. Both cultures value hard work.

The Japanese are in various stages of enculturation. Some speak European languages fluently and interface with Europeans on a regular basis. Others prefer to remain in their Japanese communities, especially the housewives.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Shintoism is the native religion of Japan. It is rooted in animism (belief that non-living objects have spirits). Its many gods or spirits are known as kami. Buddhism was introduced to Japan in the sixth century. Today, most Japanese claim to be both Shintoist and Buddhist.

Traditions of Shintoism, Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism have all contributed to Japanese religious principles. Many Japanese are indifferent and skeptical of established religion. Many do not see it as offering any help in today's world.

What Are Their Needs?

The Japanese in Sweden are secure regarding their physical needs, but they have spiritual needs that only Jesus can address. They need to humbly ask Jesus Christ to provide them with the abundant life, which they think they can enjoy through material goods.

Prayer Points

Pray that the Japanese in Sweden will find the need for a personal relationship with a holy, all-good God.
Pray that those who stay in Sweden will have the chance to meet Christ-followers who love him, and want his name glorified among the Japanese.
Pray for a church planting movement among the Japanese in Sweden that will spread to Japan.

Scripture Prayers for the Japanese in Sweden.

References

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Swedish_people_of_Japanese_descent
https://www.ikigaiconnections.com/sweden/
https://thenordics.com/trace/introducing-japandi-what-japan-and-scandinavia-have-common