Japanese in Denmark

Introduction / History

At the end of WWII, Japan lay in ruins, but they soon emerged as an economic power. Today their economy is the third largest in the world. In order to keep their many multi-national corporations running the way they want them to, some Japanese have had to move around the world to countries like Denmark.

Where Are they Located?

The vast majority of the Japanese people live in Japan, though there is also a sizeable Japanese diaspora around the world. There are few Japanese in the European nation of Denmark.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Japanese diaspora is primarily professional and business-savvy. They are often working for Japanese corporations in other parts of the world. Frequently they have little social contact with the local population, and they speak mainly Japanese among themselves. Christian women often have the opportunity to reach out to Japanese women who are stuck at home.

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: ancestor worship; a belief in religious continuity of the family; a close tie between the nation and religion; a free exchange of ideas among religious systems; and religious practices centered on the use of prayer meditation, amulets, and purification. Many Japanese are indifferent and skeptical of established religion.

What Are Their Needs?

On the outside, they seem to have few needs. However, many of them have become obsessed with materialistic pleasures, careers, and possessions. Their greatest need is to be introduced to the Father through His Son, Jesus.

Prayer Points

Ask the Lord to call laborers to go to Denmark and share Christ with the Japanese.
Pray that Christian businessmen will have open doors to share the gospel with the Japanese in Europe.
Pray that Japanese believers will have opportunities to share the love of Jesus with their families and friends.
Ask the Lord to raise up strong local churches and a disciple making movement among the Japanese in Europe.

Text Source:   Keith Carey