Racially, culturally, and ethnically, the Japanese are one of the most homogenous people groups in the world. They identify themselves in terms of biological heritage, birth in Japan, a shared culture, and a common language. Shintoism is the native religion of Japan. It is rooted in animism. Its many gods or spirits are known as kami. Buddhism was introduced to Japan in the sixth century. Today, most Japanese claim to be both Shintoist and Buddhist. Traditions of Shintoism, Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism have all contributed to Japanese religious beliefs and practices.
Material wealth and creature comforts often have a deadening effect, obscuring a person's spiritual needs.
Much prayer is needed to prepare the hearts of the Japanese for the Gospel of Christ. This Gospel is available to them if they would but desire it.
Pray for the relatively few people among the Japanese who know and follow Jesus Christ. They need prayer support. Pray they will be zealous to know Christ, and that they will learn to live in the power of Christ's Spirit. Pray they will consistently experience love, joy, peace, and other fruit from the Holy Spirit.
Pray the Japanese will increasingly realize their great need for a Savior. Pray that material wealth will not satisfy. Pray for a spiritual awakening to need.
"All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the Lord, and all the families of the nations will worship before You." Psalm 22:27
