Han Chinese, Mandarin in Japan

Introduction / History

Mandarin speakers are among the Han Chinese, the largest ethnic group worldwide. They are the majority in China, but there is a Chinese diaspora in most nations.

The Han Chinese fled to other countries after the Mongol invasion in 1276. Many other upheavals and conflicts followed, and the Chinese continued to settle in other nations.

Chinese languages are united by a writing system that people who speak any Chinese language can understand. It’s very different with spoken Chinese; few dialects are intelligible to the other. The largest Chinese language is Mandarin.

Mandarin has four subdialects, but these are mutually intelligible. One of the subdialects was from Beijing, China's capital city and power center. It was the language of the educated classes and made the official language during the Qing dynasty in the early 20th century. The Chinese government wasn’t strong enough to enforce it until the 1949 communist revolution. Mao gained far more power than any Chinese leader, and Mandarin became the official language taught in Chinese schools from that time forward. Though the Chinese kept their local dialects, Mandarin became the language of media, education, business and government throughout China. For that reason, if they are from the PRC, migrants to Japan are fluent in Mandarin.

Sometimes they migrated as refugees but they are more likely to settle elsewhere for business purposes. Wherever they went, the Chinese settled almost exclusively in urban areas and became involved in business and commerce. Today, they are very influential in the economies of many of these nations, though they represent only a small percentage of the population. In Japan, the Chinese can live in any urban center, but they are most likely to be found in Tokyo, Yokohama or Osaka.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Japan is a business-oriented country, and Mandarin Chinese fit in well. They are among those who aid in trade between Japan and China. Others invest in Japanese real estate. Japan is attracting both businessmen and intellectuals from China. Some Mandarin speakers teach language lessons to the Japanese. There are Chinese schools in Japan teaching in Mandarin. The Chinese in Japan have been in sports, entertainment and politics. However, they are best known for their business savviness.

In the 2020s, many wealthy Chinese have moved to Japan to conduct business. They often move to Japan to protect their family assets and for better educational opportunities for their children. Some come for better medical care. Japan has an aging and shrinking workforce, so it’s very possible they will welcome Chinese migrants in the years to come.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Most Mandarin Chinese in Japan are secularized. However, there are strong Christ followers among them who can take the gospel to others.

What Are Their Needs?

Materialism is a rough taskmaster. It can take the place of everything including spiritual needs. Mandarin Chinese people in Japan need to find their way to the cross. That includes some Christians who are lost in materialism.

Prayer Points

Pray for Mandarin Chinese Christ followers, filled with the fruit of the Holy Spirit, to disciple Indonesian Muslims in the ways of Christ.
Pray for the Mandarin Chinese to begin a family-based movement to Christ that will bless them abundantly.
Pray for the Mandarin Chinese to have the spiritual hunger to seek and find Jesus Christ.

Text Source:   Joshua Project