Posts in Japan

Japan has one of the world’s most powerful export economies, but was heavily affected by the 2008-2009 worldwide recession.  Low birth rates and an aging population are major societal and economic concerns for the future.  Though there is freedom of religion, over 70% of Japanese claim no personal religion, and most follow the rituals of ancestor-venerating Buddhism and polytheistic Shintoism.  There are very few Christians.  Christianity is still considered an outside, western religion rather than a universal faith, despite 500 years of Christian presence in Japan.  It is the largest unevangelized nation, even though they are completely open to missionaries.  It is very difficult for missionaries to be effective across socio-cultural and linguistic barriers.  To reach the Japanese, there needs […]