by: Justin Evergarden It is possible to sit beside someone every Sunday and still know very little about their life. We recognize their face, exchange a greeting, and perhaps call them “brother” or “sister.” But those words describe a relationship that deserves our attention beyond the few minutes we share before and after worship. Paul wrote: “For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,”— Ephes

In this interview, we sit down with Nao Fukushima at the Tachikawa Church of Christ in Tokyo, Japan, to discuss the realities of preaching the gospel in one of the most secular nations in the developed world. Japan presents unique cultural and spiritual challenges. Congregations are often small. Growth is slow. Evangelism requires patience, consistency, and deep relationship-building. In this conversation, Nao shares: • The spiritual climate in Japan • Cultural barriers to Ch

In this video, we interview William Adams at the Oiwa Church of Christ in Shizuoka, Japan. Brother Adams shares insight into the inner workings of mission work in Japan and what it takes to build stable, faithful congregations. Topics we discuss: • Cultural sensitivity in evangelism • Long-term sustainability in mission work • The importance of doctrinal integrity • Challenges foreign workers may not expect • What kind of support is truly helpful Japan is often considered a “

In this interview, we speak with 93-year-old Brother Obata in Gunma, Japan—a founding member of the Ochanomizu Church of Christ and a lifelong preacher of the gospel. Currently battling pancreatic cancer, Brother Obata reflects on: • Decades of church growth and struggle in Japan • The spiritual challenges facing younger generations • The future of the church in Japan • His message to young gospel workers This conversation is a rare opportunity to hear wisdom from a man who

Japan, like so many others, is a nation shaped by the sea. From the quiet coves of Kyushu to the rugged cliffs of Hokkaido, the coastline stretches for thousands of miles. Anyone who has stood on a beach anywhere in the world has felt the rhythm of the waves—steady, gentle, and unending. That natural rhythm provides an image for the mercy of God. Just as the shoreline is touched again and again by the sea, our lives are continually touched by His compassion and long-suffering

“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.” — Matthew 22:37 (KJV) The Spirit of Honor in Japan In Japan, the idea of honor runs deep—woven into the nation’s history, customs, and way of life. From the ancient bushidō (武士道) code of the samurai—literally, “the way of the warrior”—to the quiet dignity of modern life, honor has long guided how one lives, works, and interacts with others. Bushidō was not simply a rule of

In Japan, red bridges arch gracefully over rivers and valleys, serving as more than mere structures. They symbolize connection, beauty, and peace, often leading to serene temples or tranquil gardens. Each bridge tells a story, inviting those who cross to experience something. When I gaze upon these magnificent bridges, I am reminded of the greatest bridge ever constructed—the bridge that Jesus built through His sacrifice. This bridge spans the chasm created by sin, connecting

Today is National Dessert Day! It’s a special occasion to celebrate the sweet treats that bring joy to our lives. From soft mochi to delicate matcha parfaits, Japan’s sweets—known as wagashi (和菓子)—are a vibrant reflection of the nation’s culture. Each treat is carefully crafted to please both the eye and the heart, often shaped to correspond with the seasons—like cherry blossoms in spring or maple leaves in autumn. 🌸🍁 But as we indulge in these delightful creations, let’s t

Japan is a country with a unique culture and history, with faiths centered on Buddhism and Shintoism. However, in recent years,...

The narrow gate - a way of life that doesn't follow the crowd. It has been pointed out that we Japanese tend to be easily influenced by...

The main kanji are the "kiku" (listen) from the kanji for "newspaper" and the "kiku" (listen) from the kanji for "visual and...

By Yoshiya Noguchi May 3, 2025 When you feel like you're stuck in life, such as when you're suffering from May blues, try stopping for a...

By Masanobu Nonogaki | April 23, 2025 Even after becoming a Christian, do you find relationships difficult? Despite our faith in the Lord Jesus, we remain sinful human beings. Friction in relationships is inevitable. Yet, Jesus consistently stands between us, encouraging reconciliation. In this article, we explore how to repair broken relationships—and why it's essential before worship. The Words of Jesus "Therefore, if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest

"For all these people...professed that they were strangers and exiles.... and they were longing for a better country, an heavenly one..." Hebrews 11:　13-16 So, what exactly is our stance in life, our stance in our faith life? Of course, if you are a Christian, I don't think you cling to this earthly life. However, that doesn't mean that we are necessarily taking the stance that heaven is our true home and that we are "strangers on earth," as the Scripture I quoted at the begi

By Yoshiya Noguchi April 4, 2025 Evangelist Yoshiya Noguchi of Ochanomizu Church of Christ

As we immerse ourselves in the Bible content coming from Japan, we will uncover insights that resonate with the core of our mission work. Through an exploration of podcasts and articles on various Bible topics, we are transported to the heart of Japan, where Cherry blossoms and Mount Fuji serve as a backdrop to our spiritual growth. The essence of the Japan Mission Project lies in its affiliation with the church of Christ, where donations fuel the important work being done in