Ian Clark | June 2
Tokyo has been a whirlwind of new food, complicated train stations, and dense crowds of people. We spent these first two days orienting ourselves to Japanese culture. Understanding the hearts of those whom we are here to pursue is critical to making connections that open the door for gospel conversations. Here are three things that have stood out to me during our time here so far:
Pursuit of excellence in everything: Japanese culture is built around an attention to detail that goes above and beyond anything I’ve seen in America. There is no task too small or mundane that it does not deserve the utmost attention and respect. While visiting Meiji Jingu - the most famous Shinto shrine in Tokyo - we encountered a worker cleaning paths. The path in question was the width of several lanes of traffic and stretched hundreds of yards in either direction, but instead of ignoring the small scattering of leaves on the path or using a leaf blower, he carefully and methodically swept the path with a traditional bamboo broom. The uncountable hours required to finish the task notwithstanding, he worked with a focus and purpose that would be unthinkable for such a task in the United States.
Spiritual hunger: during our visit to the Mustard Seed Church Tokyo, we learned again the extent of darkness in Japan. Less than 1% of the population is Evangelical Christian, and an estimated 85% of the population does not even know a Christian. Yet there are deep rooted traditions in Shintoism and Buddhism, sometimes without participants even knowing the meaning behind the rituals they perform or attend. Japanese children are taken to a Buddhist temple during several milestone birthdays in early childhood, and Buddhist funerals are often held for deceased family members, yet those in attendance frequently cant translate the chants performed by the Buddhist monks during these ceremonies.
Extreme respect and introversion: the natural question becomes: if people are spiritually hungry, how could an open country like Japan have so few believers? The respect for others’ privacy is a defining feature of daily life in Japan. Trains feel like libraries, with little to no conversation. Interaction between strangers rarely occurs, as people don’t want to “interrupt” others as they go about their days. This results in a culture where evangelism requires an even more delicate and intentional approach than usual. Societal norms dampen natural faith sharing, and shape a population where the vast majority of individuals have never heard the Good News.
Hang Tu | June 2
We flew to Fukuoka Monday evening. We are slowly getting the hang of taking the trains. I sat with a Chinese tourist on the way to Narita Airport (Tokyo), Albert. He is currently a grad student in Europe and was planning to study in the U.S. a few years back but his visa was denied. He is not angry, just disappointed. After 15 minutes of small talk about food, and culture, I asked him about spiritual things. I found out that Albert is an atheist but open to learning about Jesus, I shared the gospel with him and we exchanged numbers. Meanwhile, Pastor Matthew was standing near me and was praying.
In 2025, the number of foreign residents in Japan reached a record high of 3.7 million, an increase of 10.5% from the end of 2023, according to Nikkei Asia. The Chinese population was the largest, followed by the Vietnamese and South Koreans. MSN recognized these global shifts and began to translate many of their materials (1st Step Class, which is essentially an intro to Christianity course) in Chinese, Korean and even Portuguese.
Many of these foreigners like Albert will not be able to hear the gospel, and might not be open to Christianity in their homeland, but, in a foreign land, away from their family, they are hungry for connection, community and support. The Church not only provides these foreigners with the gospel, but a sense of belonging. Much of the MSN is about reaching the 99% of unreached Japanese, but also recognizing the need of the city and providing for the foreigners the Lord brings to this country. Mustard Seed Christian Church Tokyo is the most diverse congregation, followed by Osaka, and Kyoto.
Tuesday morning, we couldn't find a big enough room in our hotel to meet and pray, so we cramped into Kenji's room. Kenji led us into a time of God's word in Acts 1 and 2. We looked at these truths.
- The person of Christ
- The promise of Christ
- The power of the Holy Spirit
- Preparation
- Proclamation
- Fruitfulness
Acts 1:8 – “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
Not just the professionals (missionaries and pastors) are called to be witnesses. ALL BELIEVERS are to be Jesus' witnesses. At Fairfax Bible, we often said the phrase "Love Christ and live sent." We can live sent or be Jesus' witnesses any where and everywhere. As long as we have breath, we are witnesses. The question isn't "should I be a witness of Christ"? It's "Where should I be a witness and to whom am I to witness?"
We met up with the Fukuoka Team: David, Alyssa, Wissel, William and Lydia Payne, Mai Kaneda, Gabe & Jesse and their kids.