Japanese in United Kingdom

People Name:	Japanese
Country:	United Kingdom
10/40 Window:	No
Population:	24,000
World Population:	119,868,700
Primary Language:	Japanese
Primary Religion:	Buddhism
Christian Adherents:	1.50 %
Evangelicals:	0.50 %
Scripture:	Complete Bible
Online Audio NT:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Japanese
Affinity Bloc:	East Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The first Japanese to settle in the United Kingdom came in the early 1860s. Must like today, the majority were professionals, businessmen and students. In an effort to modernize Japan students were also sent to the United Kingdom to study. Throughout World War II some Japanese migrated to the United Kingdom. In the 1960s a larger wave of Japanese migrated to Britain. The main reason for this migration was business. Lower airfares have also attracted more Japanese students to attend universities.
Japanese businessmen can be found throughout the UK, though most are found in Greater London where they have most of their corporate offices. Japanese students live on university campuses such as Cambridge and Oxford. Most live either in homes or dormitories in or around school or work.

What Are Their Lives Like?

About half of the Japanese residents of Britain primarily speak Japanese. Since most are businessmen or students their lives are filled with work or study. The Japanese assimilate into culture well but remain proud of their culture.
There are Japanese societies in London where they can enjoy their own cultural events. Housewives of Japanese businessmen are most likely to enjoy these events. They usually send their children to Japanese schools.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Most Japanese are Buddhist and Shinto by tradition. There is also a strong lean toward materialism. Japanese will celebrate the Buddhist and Shinto holidays and participate in Buddhist or Shinto ceremonies. Everyday practice is driven by materialism or folk beliefs. The oldest son inherits the family shrine and it is placed somewhere in the Japanese home. Various gods and idols may be worshipped depending upon the person. Materialism and happiness in this life motivate the Japanese, while religion is an opportunity to keep in touch with tradition. There is also a small population of Japanese Christians, many of who become Christians when they study or work abroad.

What Are Their Needs?

Japanese businessmen and students are away from home. Among the greatest needs of Japanese living in Japan are friendships in the new culture.
Japanese businessmen may work abroad while their families stay behind in Japan. Strong communication is needed to keep the family unit intact.

Prayer Points

Pray that God would bring strong Christian friendships into Japanese businessmen and student’s lives.
Pray for the Japanese businessmen who work away from their families.
Pray that communication would remain strong with their families in Japan.
Pray that the Japanese businessmen and students would have the opportunity to hear and see the gospel lived out in everyday life.
Pray that the Japanese businessmen and students would have open hearts to receive the gospel.