If you are thinking about giving your life for furthering the Gospel in Japan, here are some books you will want to read. There are books that are very helpful for ministry, but I have chosen to exclude them from this list because they do not deal specifically with culture and ministry in Japan.
Please note, just because a book is listed here does not mean I endorse the work, author, or the author’s viewpoint/philosophy.
Shutting out the Sun by Michael Zielenziger
This work talks about the post bubble era Japan and Hikikomori (people who refuse to leave their rooms at home for extended periods of time. Sometimes years). This work is important because it talks about the lost decade (1990’s) and even today we are feeling the effects of what happened 20 years ago. The work also discusses how people are trained and how people can feel left out of society. I personally think that this helps provide insight into current felt needs in Japan.
The Unseen Face of Japan by David C Lewis
This book, though an olde work, shows some of the everyday religious life in Japan. There is a veneer of “non-religion” but the tentacles of traditional Buddhism and Shinto run deep in Japan. While the contents of this book might play out more in a rural setting, understanding how the religious system works out in everyday life will be helpful to know what people deal with.
The New Japan: Debunking Seven Cultural Stereotypes by David Matsumoto
IF you do any kind of study on Japan, there will (more often than not) be very strong stereotypes about Japan proposed. However, living and working in Japan has shown us that these are not always true. In this book from the Early 2000’s David Matsumoto shows research that actually contradicts some of the dominant thinking that is assumed true by westerners studying Japanese culture. Just like Boomers and Gen Z are completely different, a new generation with new norms has come to the forefront. Yuu would be wise to take his thoughts into consideration.
Where Only God Could Lead: The Life Story of Don Sisk
This is the biography of church planter Don Sisk. The church he started (Senri New Town Baptist Church) is still in existence today and around 300 people (yes HUNDRED) gather each Sunday for worship. How God worked in his life despite his age to see many people brought into God’s kingdom is remarkable. This book is a MUST read because it not only covers the glorious moments, but also his struggles and thoughts as he went about being a missionary in Japan. It is probably a good idea to read it once before you get to Japan, and about 3-4 months after you have been in Japan as you experience culture shock to realize that you aren’t the only one dealing with culture shock.
Japanese Culture Capsules by Audio-forum
This audio work is designed for people headed to Japan to do business. It helps people understand basic etiquette. It also gives some insights into the business world. In Japan, the business world is entirely different from everyday life. Knowing what goes on in that world is important especially if you plan to have a ministry that has strong male leadership.
Multiplying Churches in Japanese Soil by John Mehn
Mehn talks about different models being used in Japan to start churches. If you are wondering what other churches or denominations are doing, this gives an eclectic view. The author promotes leader training in Japan and even shows a historical account of a man who employed leader training to spread his teaching.
Culture Hacks by Richard Conrad
I like this work because Conrad vividly portrays how Japanese and American cultures are different. Contrast is a powerful way of learning and Conrad does an excellent job of showing those differences.
The Japanese Mind by Roger J Davies and Osamu Ikeno
Produced as a textbook, this book has numerous articles about how Japanese people think. If you are not careful, an American can be talking right past a Japanese person. You will learn about how people in Japan think and find out that it is very different from what an American has grown up with.
Overcoming Barriers to Evangelization in Japan by David John Lu
I don’t agree with his methods most of the time. However, he looks at everyday life from a Christian standpoint. The ministry suggestions he makes are not geared toward training leaders so read carefully.
Have you found any particular books specifically about Japan that have been helpful for you? If so, please tell me about them in the comments below!
I just want to say thank you for this resource page! My family and I are moving to Kawasaki this November to work with a ministry there and support their work in church planting and making disciples of Jesus. I look forward to reading some of these suggestions!