Introduction / History

The first Japanese that came to New Zealand were circus entertainers in 1874. Before World War II, there were only a few Japanese in New Zealand who were mainly wool traders. During the war, they imprisoned many Japanese in New Zealand. When the war ended, they restored relations between Japan and New Zealand.
Some New Zealand soldiers married Japanese women. These women found adjustment difficult in New Zealand. In the 1960s New Zealand people began appreciating Japanese art forms like pottery and flower arranging. With changes in immigration laws during the late 1980s, many Japanese came to live in New Zealand. Auckland has the largest number of Japanese in New Zealand. Others live in cities such as Wellington. There are Japanese markets in these cities.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Japanese are involved in finance in New Zealand among other things. Some of the women are caregivers for children. There are Japanese restaurants. In the 1990s, Japanese students came to New Zealand. The Japanese like New Zealand because it is less crowded than the big Japanese cities. Japanese karaoke and garden design are well liked in New Zealand. There are Japanese day schools in Melbourne and Sydney where many Japanese live. The Japanese speak Japanese and English.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Most Japanese in New Zealand are Buddhists, but more than half do not follow any religions. The Japanese wealth has led to most Japanese becoming materialistic and secular.

What Are Their Needs?

The Japanese in New Zealand need the spiritual hunger it takes to seek and find the Lord.

Prayer Points

Pray for a spiritual hunger that will drive the Japanese in New Zealand to Christ. Pray for a movement to Christ among the Japanese in New Zealand. Pray for Japanese Christian believers in New Zealand to begin a powerful Disciple Making Movement.

Scripture Prayers for the Japanese in New Zealand.