Jewish, English-speaking in Japan

People Name:	Jewish, English-speaking
Country:	Japan
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	1,900
World Population:	5,430,800
Primary Language:	English
Primary Religion:	Ethnic Religions
Christian Adherents:	3.00 %
Evangelicals:	2.00 %
Scripture:	Complete Bible
Ministry Resources:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Jewish
Affinity Bloc:	Jewish
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

There were few if any English-speaking Jews in Japan until the 1920s through the 1950s. Before that, the only Jews were Russian or Polish speakers. They were joined by a small number of Jews from the US at that time. Most Jews living in Japan now are from the United States. There are Jews among the American military in Japan.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Jewish minorities in Japan go to great lengths to keep aspects of their culture intact. The Jewish Community of Japan (JCJ) is an affiliate of the World Jewish Congress.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Not all Jews are religious. Some limit their "Jewishness" to a cultural identity. Understanding what it means to be a Jew begins in childhood. It takes place in the home through storytelling and by taking part in Jewish rituals and festivals such as Rosh Hashanah (New Year), Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement), and Passover. Socialization also takes place through participation in Hebrew school or synagogue youth groups. At the age of 13, the Bar Mitzvah ceremony for a boy (or Bat Mitzvah for a girl) is an important rite of passage, which marks him or her as an adult member of the community. While these ceremonies were more spiritually focused in the past, they have become equally important as social events.

What Are Their Needs?

The Jews have a wonderful understanding of their connection with the Abrahamic covenant. However, they also have a history of rejecting Jesus Christ as Messiah, the one who has fulfilled that covenant.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Lord to provide for their physical and spiritual needs as a testimony of his power and love. Pray that the Jewish people in Japan will have a spiritual hunger that will open their hearts to the King of kings. Pray for workers who are driven by the love and boldness of the Holy Spirit to go to them. Pray for a movement to Christ among them to begin this decade.