Have you ever studied the core beliefs of Buddhism? Buddhism is actually the second largest religion in Japan and is heavily practiced here every day. Being first introduced to Japan around 550 AD from the Korean kingdom of Baekje, it has become deeply rooted in all aspects of their society.
The ultimate goal of all Buddhist practice is to actualize an “awakening” that the Buddha himself achieved through an, “active transformation of the heart and passions” and the letting go of the “I” or self (see the diagram above for Buddhist’s follower’s main principles: the 8-fold path and 3 Fires).
As we all know, the Buddha, was just a man; not a prophet or a god, however his teachings to reduce suffering were historically well received- especially by Asian cultures. Hailing first from India, it then trickled down to China, then to Korean and eventually, into Japan consequently.
According to the U.S. Dept. of of State during a 2022 report the religious demographic of Japan is as follows:
https://www.state.gov/reports/2022-report-on-international-religious-freedom/japan
“Religious affiliation includes 87.9 million Shinto followers (48.5 percent), 83.9 million Buddhists (46.3 percent), 1.9 million Christians (1 percent), and 7.3 million adherents of other religious groups (4 percent). “
To put things into perspective, there are more Buddhist shrines and temples in Japan now than even convenience stores and schools! The 5-story pagoda of the To-ji Temple in Kyoto was originally built in 826 CE, last restored in 1644 AD and is still one of the most famous and frequented Buddhist temples in the Kansai area of Japan today (please see the picture above).
You may ask: With Buddhism being so heavily ingrained into Japanese society for more than 1,000 years now, how is it that people can convert to Christianity?
What I can say from personal experience in Japan is that having the prior knowledge of Buddhism is not necessarily a barrier to people for accepting Christ. On the contrary, I believe that it actually helps people to be able to come to Christ even easier. This is because most Japanese are connected to Buddhism through generational passage alone, and follow the traditions of Buddhism because that is simply how they grew up. (The traditional practices they are already well accustomed to since childhood linger). The past syncretism of Shintoism and Buddhism in Japan also shows that Japanese people are willing to adopt new forms of thought and religion if they believe that it will help them in their life.
That being said, the difference with Christianity is that they finally are able to experience real transformation and see the true power of God Himself.
Most all Japanese are familiar with false religion and religious practices, which haven’t helped them thus far. As a result, once they encounter the true and living God, Jesus Christ, they can’t help but to notice the stark difference, feeling the Holy Spirit’s presence and by the grace of God, are able to receive the truth with open hearts and minds.
The main barrier is that most Japanese are not exposed to Christianity as we in America are privileged to be. It is not taught in schools even from a historically perspective, therefore many Japanese (and Chinese too) have not heard even the name of Jesus Christ and therefore have no base knowledge for Christianity either.
This is why the work of missionaries here is Japan is incredibly vital. Missionaries, or sent ones, are able to share the gospel to Japanese people for the first time in their life, and after hearing, they are then able to believe.
-Romans 10:17-
“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
Overall, although Buddhism is prevalent in Japan, Christianity can be too. By supporting this mission, you are impacting Japan for Christ and allowing those who do not know and who have not heard a chance to be saved. Thank you for your faithfulness and partnering with me to make the name of Jesus known in Japan and for directly supporting the sharing of the gospel here!
-Romans 10:14-
“How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?”
Be blessed! All the glory belongs to the Lord!
Lifted Vision Ministry 