Japan is one of the world’s largest economies, with a population of over 125 million spread across 4 main islands, from temperate Kyushu and Shikoku in the South to the sometimes freezing island of Hokkaido in the North. Tokyo and its surrounds form the largest urban region in the world, with 37,000,000 million people. Only 0.2% of Japan’s population are evangelical Christians.
Well educated and living in an orderly society, many Japanese see little need for religion, although they will continue to practice many traditional Buddhist and Shintoist ceremonies and rituals. Young people in particular will describe themselves as “mushinkyou” (“non-religious”). And yet often behind an outward contentment lie inner needs and insecurities, which the Bible teaches can only be met through relationship with God.
It has been estimated that a young person is 30 times more likely to become a Christian while overseas than while in Japan. In Australia there is the freedom to attend events without worrying about what others might think. With a desire to meet locals to practice English and make friends, visiting Japanese in Australia are uniquely placed to be reached with a sensitive explanation of Gospel truths.