NAGOYA THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
CHRISTIANITY IN JAPAN

The Land of the Rising Son

After its devastating defeat in World War II, Japan recovered in unprecedented fashion to become the second most powerful economy in the world. Despite facing economic recession starting in the 1990’s, Japan is home to many of the world’s most respected and influential corporations. Japan is a nation of 127 million people, the 9th largest country in the world situated on a geographical area smaller than the size of California. Its capital Tokyo is the most populous city in the world, and Japan has become a popular tourist spot for visitors fascinated by its fusion of high technology and ancient tradition.

Aichi prefecture (population: 8 million people) is home to Nagoya, the third largest city in Japan. Soon to be host to the 2005 World Expo and a new international airport, the region is bustling with new construction and a youthful population.

Our seminary and training center will be located in Nisshin City (just outside of Nagoya), the fastest growing city in Japan. There is a sizable population of young working people in this area, just 30 minutes west of Toyota City, home of Toyota Motor Corporation, as well as one of the largest concentrations of universities/colleges in the country.

Christianity in Japan

Japan is an “unreached” nation with an evangelical Christian population of 0.25%. The introduction of Christianity by Francis Xavier in 1549 saw considerable success but was quickly crushed by violent persecution resulting in the martyrdom of thousands of Japanese Christians.

Today the Japanese church is small, but resilient and faithful. A great concern is the aging population and the inability of the church to effectively reach out to and engage with young people many of whom have rejected traditional thought and practices and are seeking a new way of life.

With nearly 80% of Japanese pastors in their 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s, a crisis is looming. In 10-15 years, most Japanese churches will need new pastors. In addition, many churches today do not have pastors, and church planting efforts will be threatened because of a lack of young Japanese pastors who are trained for Gospel ministry.