A Call to the Unreached: Bringing the Gospel to Japan

I grew up in the island nation of Japan, with a religiously ambiguous mother and a muslim father. My sister and I grew up going to a Johovah’s witness church with my mom, while my dad often just stayed home on Sundays. It wasn’t until my mom, my sister and I moved  to Canada that we encountered the real Jesus Christ. By the time I was 11 the 3 of us had given our lives to Jesus!! 

Spiritual Atmosphere Growing Up in Japan

Because my mother had grown up in Peru with culturally Catholic parents, I had a unique experience of attending some form of church on Sundays and learning Bible stories through the Jehovah’s Witness teachings. However, I know that this wasn’t the case for any of my classmates. In fact, I would go as far as to say I didn’t know a single Christian during my 10 years in Japan. The Gospel had very little presence there, as most people identified with Shintoism, which is deeply rooted in Japanese culture. Many in Japan view Shintoism not as a religion that follows a specific God or scripture, but rather as a way of life and a set of cultural practices.

Call to Missions in Japan

Japan’s predominantly non-Christian population requires missionaries to approach their work with both creativity and grit. Despite these challenges, God is moving powerfully—encountering hearts and revealing Himself to those hungry to know Him. When God first called me into full-time ministry, Japan wasn’t even on my radar. It wasn’t until 2023, when the Lord opened the doors for a week-long mission trip there, that my heart was truly marked for this nation. After 11 years, returning to Japan felt both familiar and strange as I stepped back onto the soil I once knew so well. Growing up in Japan, I saw the desperate need for the Gospel, and now more than ever, that need has grown. The country is facing a severe mental health crisis, marked by alarmingly high suicide rates. The need for the God of hope has never been more urgent.

What is God Doing in Japan Today?

This past spring, I had the privilege of leading a team of 8 students back to Japan for 7 weeks. It was an incredible experience that went far beyond simply recognizing the need for the Gospel—it was about witnessing firsthand how God is moving in real and powerful ways in a country that so desperately needs Him. During our time there, we had the opportunity to engage with local communities, build relationships, and share the love of Jesus in unique ways. One of the most unforgettable moments came during a weekend English camp we hosted, where we saw 20 kids give their lives to Jesus. It was a humbling reminder that God is actively revealing Himself to those who hunger and thirst for Him. That moment was a clear demonstration of God’s work in the hearts of people who are searching for hope and purpose. This experience reaffirmed that God’s presence is undeniable and that He is at work in Japan, bringing light into the darkness.

How You Can Be Praying for Japan

Japan is one of the most unreached places in the world, often referred to as a “missionary graveyard” due to the centuries of resistance Christianity has faced there. However, God is moving in Japan, and there is hope for a harvest. 

Thank you for joining me in praying for this beautiful nation. Japan may seem like an impossible mission field, but with God, all things are possible. The need for the Gospel in Japan has never been more urgent, and the country is ripe for a powerful move of God. While many challenges remain, we are witnessing His faithfulness and power at work firsthand.