JAPAN
GOVERNMENT: Constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary government
POPULATION: 124 million
RELIGION: Majority Shinto and Buddhist; less than 2% Christian
LANGUAGE: Japanese
CURRENCY: Japanese Yen (JPY)
CLIMATE: Varies by region; cold winters in the north, hot humid summers in the south
Pray with us
Pray for several social crises Japan faces. From youth suicide and isolation to an aging population and natural disaster threats. Ask God that Christian ministries gain favor and serve vulnerable people, especially through nursing homes, hospices, and support for at-risk youth.
Pray for spiritual breakthrough amid strong religious syncretism. Ancient spiritual powers rooted in Shinto and Buddhist traditions promote spiritual indifference and disbelief in a Creator God. Ask God to remove the spirit of blindness and for hearts to open to the message of the Gospel.
Pray for the Church. With many villages and cities lacking a church or only having small ones, pray for pastors to equip leaders, plant churches in remote areas, and creatively reach the lost. Ask God to bring unity across denominations and for Japanese believers to live boldly.
THE REALITY
Japan is one of the largest unreached countries in the world, yet also one of the most open. With less than 1% of the population identifying as Christian, spiritual life in Japan is shaped largely by Shinto and Buddhist practices. Ancestor worship, homes shrines, and seasonal rituals are deeply embedded in culture and society. While many people participate out of respect rather than personal belief, these traditions keep many deceived, distracted, and distanced from the truth of the Gospel.
Despite being a highly relational culture, meaningful discipleship in Japan has required long-term commitment, consistency, and trust, often built slowly over time. Japanese society values harmony and humility which can make it difficult for individuals to break away from cultural norms and traditions. Although Christianity has been present in Japan for over 500 years, it is often viewed as a foreign or Western religion. This perception, along with a culture that seeks social conformity, makes it difficult for many to fully embrace faith in Jesus. Still, there is a growing openness, especially among the younger generation, for authentic relationships and deeper purpose, offering a powerful opportunity for long-term ministry rooted in truth and grace.
The Japanese Church is small, but collaboration is growing amongst a network of churches. A highly literate and tech-savvy population makes Japan especially receptive to Christian media and literature. This reality offers action sports ministries an opportunity to use creative means to reach the youth.
The action sports community continues to grow, especially since hosting the 2020 Olympics. Japan is home to 559 ski resorts, 48 wake parks, over 700 skateparks, and nearly 18,500 miles of coastline, making it an ideal environment for action sports ministries to lead in outreach and evangelism. These growing communities are open doors for connecting with young people and sharing the hope of Jesus through intentional discipleship.
