Japanese in Japan

Introduction / History

Japan is a large group of islands located between the North Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Japan. The five main islands are Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, Skikoku, and Okinawa. Honshu contains the capital, Tokyo, as well as many major industrial areas.

Rugged mountain chains containing several active volcanoes account for more than 71% of Japan's total land area. Most of the countryside is covered by dense forests, leaving little land for farming. Japan is subject to numerous earthquakes, typhoons and monsoons.

Racially, culturally, and ethnically, the Japanese are one of the most homogenous people groups in the world. They identify themselves in terms of biological heritage, birth in Japan, a shared culture, and a common language (Japanese).

What Are Their Lives Like?

Japan’s economy is based on a competitive market/private enterprise system. Most live in an urban environment. Their culture, even in rural areas, is affected by media outlets in Tokyo. Conspicuous consumption, fads and trends are an important part of the lives of the younger generation. Entertainment is often related to business. Men come together for entertainment or to drink in lounges and bars. Entertainment is mostly outside the home; homes are small, and they need the opportunity to get out.

The Japanese have experienced a surge in leisure activities since the 1980s. They enjoy sightseeing and visiting parks. There are 15 national holidays. Each spring they make a point of seeing the beautiful cherry blossoms. Favorite sports include baseball, basketball, soccer, sumo wrestling, judo, karate, shogi (Japanese chess) and go (a complicated game of strategy).

Weddings often involve both Japanese and Western elements. Part of the ceremony is Shinto, and the couple each wears traditional kimonos. Then they change into Western clothes for a Christian wedding ceremony. People marry for love; arranged marriages are a thing of the past. However, there is usually a go-between.

The Japanese family is transforming. Women are no longer satisfied with having the role of a housewife, like in past generations. Women are now in the workplace. Fewer are getting married, though most working women are married and work part time. The birth rate is going down while the percentage of elderly people is rising. There is a shortage of caregivers for older adults. They have experimented with using robots to care for the elderly, but that has limits. Historically, Japan has been hesitant to permit long-term residency for foreigners, but they may have to recruit outsiders for elder care.

Japan’s rural population is relatively small. Typically, wives run the family farm while the husbands hold manufacturing jobs in urban areas.

Most Japanese wear Western clothes for their daily activities; however, traditional costumes are worn during special religious ceremonies or festivals. The uniqueness of Japanese culture can be seen in their art forms, which include the highly refined flower arrangements (‘ikebana’), tea ceremonies (‘cha-no-yu’), calligraphy, and puppetry.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Japanese homegrown religion, Shintoism, 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. 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. Their traditional veneration of the Japanese emperor has weakened considerably since the end of WWII.

The Japanese are very pragmatic in their spiritual beliefs. Most have very little private time and they will not spend it on ceremonies, etc. if they don’t expect tangible benefits. There is a strong gospel witness in Japan, and the Japanese have a lot of respect for Jesus Christ. However, they have little interest in allowing him to change their lives.

What Are Their Needs?

Many Japanese are indifferent to and skeptical of established religion. On the outside, they seem to have few needs. However, many 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

Pray for a spiritual hunger that will spur the Japanese on to seek and find truth.
Pray that Christian businessmen will have open doors to share the gospel with the Japanese.
Pray that Japanese Christians will lovingly share Christ no matter what the cost.
Pray that Christian radio and television broadcasts will be effective in reaching the Japanese.
Pray that God will raise up teams of intercessors to stand in the gap for the Japanese people.
Ask the Lord to raise up strong churches that will plant other churches among the Japanese.

Text Source:   Joshua Project