Japan is a modern nation of roughly 127 million people.  Japan is wealthy, second worldwide in terms of GNP (Gross National Product).

Spiritually, however, Japan is a country which greatly needs to hear, understand, and believe the Gospel. According to the most recent statistics, roughly 0.44% of Japanese are members of Protestant churches, and only 0.22% of the population are regular worship attendees. Nationwide, there is only one Protestant church for every 16,200 people.  Because of the very low percentage of evangelical Christians, the Japanese are classified as an unreached people group. These statistics help to show how desperately needy Japan is spiritually. Christians are few in number and influence, and the church is struggling. There are few Christian workers and the church lacks resources for Kingdom advancement.

Most Japanese are “secular Buddhist/Shinto” the way many Americans are “secular Christianized” unbelievers. Most Japanese profess an adherence to Shinto and Buddhism, or practice some elements of these two religions in various aspects of their lives (weddings, funerals, ceremonial ancestor worship, etc). For most, however, religion plays little or no part of their everyday lives.

Japan, like all nations, is a place where the good news about Jesus Christ is needed. Please pray for the spread of the gospel in this needy country.