Japanese

  • Pre-Entry
  • Pre-Evangelism
  • Evangelism
  • Discipleship
  • Phase-Out
  • Completed

About the People

Japan, an archipelago of 6,852 islands, sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, making it particularly prone to earthquakes and tsunamis. Nevertheless, its population of more than 126 million people is the world’s tenth-largest, and its country is one of the most densely populated in the world. Nearly three-fourths of Japan consists of forests and mountains. Its climate varies greatly from north to south, producing both deep snowbanks and the celebrated cherry blossoms for which Japan is famous. However, for all the beauty of this country, Japan has a high suicide rate (more than 30,000 a year).

Among these 126 million people, fewer than one percent of Japanese are Christian. A syncretism of Shintoism and Buddhism remains the predominant religion but seems to be a form rather than a genuine belief for many Japanese, according to polls. The younger generation faces a different working environment than their parents and typically values individualism more than the older generation. In addition, a number of young people never leave home, are unemployed, and do not pay taxes, placing a burden on the government as it deliberates on how to provide for an increasingly elderly and declining population.

About the Project

Two missionary units are needed to serve in a variety of capacities. Suicide, the leading cause of death for people under age 30, points to a loss of meaning, hope and identity. Other social phenomena indicate that Japan faces a crisis among the young. Come minister to this wealthy but impoverished generation.

People-Group Facts

  • Population: 126 million
  • Language: Japanese
  • Religion: Shintoism/Buddhism

Frontier Stories

I Told God “No”

Perhaps you are waffling on whether you should serve as a missionary. If God is convicting you to serve, I have one word of advice — Go! God’s will is always best, and it is usually — if not always — better than you can imagine.

By: Michael Babienco
February 01 2024, 3:19 pm | Comments 0

Rumblings of Change

The movements of the Holy Spirit do tend to “shake things up,” and we are very excited to see how God continues moving as we settle here in Japan.

By: Caitlyn Babienco
January 01 2024, 3:11 pm | Comments 0

Right on Time

Please continue to pray for us and the people of Japan as we begin AFM’s work here.

By: Michael Babienco
December 01 2023, 2:07 pm | Comments 0

Seeing Real Mountains

Regardless of what kind of rest may have come to your mind while reading, I invite you to give yourselves better rest than any distant trip could bring: rest in Christ.

By: Michael Babienco
November 01 2023, 12:59 pm | Comments 0

Lessons from the Garden

Please pray that, through God, Japan will yield a bountiful harvest of fruit for eternity.

By: Michael Babienco
October 01 2023, 2:31 pm | Comments 0

The Missing Bus

In life, we often expect everything to happen on our timetable. When it doesn’t, we tend to fret and worry, forgetting that God knows what is best at all times and in all seasons.

By: Michael Babienco
September 01 2023, 1:03 pm | Comments 0

Big Frank, Ms. Persistence & Iris

God has led every step of the way in this adventure, and we see His blessings even in this stressful season of transition. Please continue to pray for us as we train and prepare to move full-time to Japan.

By: Michael Babienco
August 01 2023, 1:33 pm | Comments 0

Watch Your Head

Will you help us finish our monthly goals so that we can go to Japan and help make an eternal difference in the lives of the Japanese?

By: Michael Babienco
July 01 2023, 3:12 pm | Comments 0

Rain or Snow

Throughout life, we may find ourselves in situations where the circumstances are less than ideal or where things don’t go according to plan — or according to prayer. I have found that I can trust God to provide the best, be it sun, rain or snow.

By: Caitlyn Babienco
June 01 2023, 7:51 pm | Comments 0

Rubber Duck Debugging

Will you prayerfully consider joining our support team so that we can go and be a witness to the Japanese people?

By: Michael Babienco
May 01 2023, 2:37 pm | Comments 0

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