Japanese in Spain

Introduction / History

Japanese people first came to Spain in the early seventeenth century. The first Japanese business in Spain was in the late 1960s. Since then, Japanese businesses have come to the Catalonia region of Spain. Later Japanese from South and Central America came to Spain to get away from troubles at home. These were largely businesspeople and student. Most Japanese live in Barcelona and a few in other parts of Catalonia. Some live in Madrid.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Japanese in Spain are mainly a mixture of managers of companies, students, athletes and artists. The Japanese have their own restaurants in Spain.
Some ethnic Japanese came to Spain from the Spanish speaking Americas.
There is an Association of Japanese companies in Barcelona. As multiple possibilities for employment for Japanese having arisen recently, commercial activity may expand, as will social life, as it is closely linked to business. In Barcelona there are other Japanese associations and also a golf club.
Two Japanese International Schools are in Spain, one in Madrid and one in Barcelona, where there is also a Japanese library.
The Japanese speak both Japanese and Spanish, so there must be relations between Japanese and locals.

What Are Their Beliefs?

They are usually followers of Buddhism and/or Shintoism. Many are secular, especially the younger generation.

What Are Their Needs?

These people need to put their hope and identity in the King of kings and Lord of lords.

Prayer Points

Pray for loving workers to go to the Japanese people, and for hearts to be ready to receive their Savior.
Pray for families of believers loving and serving others to grow reproducing churches.
Pray for a chain reaction of families reaching families that results in thousands of new believers who share their faith with others.
Pray for grace and truth expanding into their entire society as all believers learn to love others.

Text Source:   Joshua Project