Introduction / History

The Japanese first began to emigrate to Australia in the 1880s. Many worked at getting pearls and oysters from the sea. Others did sugar cane work. In World War II, Australia kept the Japanese under guard. At the end of the war, they forced them to leave. Australian military personnel were stationed in Japan as part of the post-war occupation. Some married Japanese women and returned with them to Australia in the 1950s. Australia became more lenient towards immigration from non-European countries in the 1960s. More Japanese have arrived in Australia since the 1980s. According to a survey of Japanese migrants, Australia is their favorite place to settle.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Japan's prosperity created economic ties with Australia and strong bonds between the two countries. Many Japanese in Australia work in skilled management and other professional work. There are Japanese day schools in Melbourne and Sydney where many Japanese live. The Japanese in Australia speak Japanese and English.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Most Japanese in Australia are Buddhists, but more than half do not follow any religions. The Japanese wealth has led them to materialism and secularism.

What Are Their Needs?

There are unseen spiritual forces keeping the ethnic Japanese in Australia from turning to the Lord.

Prayer Points

Pray for a hunger for spiritual wealth that only Jesus Christ can offer. Pray for a movement to Christ among the Japanese in Australia. Pray for Holy Spirit led workers to go the Japanese in Australia.

Scripture Prayers for the Japanese in Australia.