Key Ministries
Mobilising Japanese to Serve Globally (SIM Japan)
SIM Japan is committed to mobilising Japanese believers to participate in global mission. We journey with those who sense God’s call to cross-cultural ministry — encouraging, equipping, and supporting them as they serve in regions around the world where Christ is least known. Our heart is to see Japanese Christians take their place in God’s global mission.
Partnering to Multiply Disciples in Japan (A3)
A3 focuses on coming alongside the Japanese church to help multiply disciples and develop vibrant faith communities. SIM cross-cultural workers are placed in deep, long-term partnerships with local congregations to reach the more than 99 per cent of the population who do not yet know Christ.
Those who flourish in Japan’s ministry context tend to be resilient, have a learner’s heart, a clear sense of God’s call, a collaborative spirit, and a deep love for the local church. The first few years typically focus on language learning, cultural understanding, and gaining ministry experience. Over time, workers may engage in a wide variety of ministry expressions — from evangelism and discipleship to church planting and leadership development — always in close partnership with Japanese believers.
Spiritual Landscape in Japan
Japan is a peaceful, modern nation with religious freedom, a strong economy, and a high regard for safety, beauty, and harmony. While there are few barriers to open proclamation of the gospel, Christianity remains a minority faith, with well under one per cent of the population identifying as Christian. In the post-World War II era, the Christian population has remained largely stagnant or in gentle decline.
Religious life in Japan is often shaped by cultural expressions of Shinto and Buddhism, rather than doctrinal allegiance. Many people participate in traditional rituals and festivals while identifying as non-religious. However, the pressures of modern life, an ageing society, and growing spiritual curiosity have opened up new opportunities for gospel conversations — especially when rooted in long-term, trusted relationships.
Please pray
- For more gospel workers to come to Japan, ready to learn the language and culture and to work alongside the Japenese church
- For good working relationships between SIM Japan, A3 and SIM offices around the world so that more workers can be mobilised to and from Japan
- Praise God for the strong partnerships built with the Japanese church and pray more would develop
Latest stories from around SIM
A statement from Kevin and Krista Rideout.
Galius had a tough childhood in Namibia. He lost his mother at childbirth and his father also passed away when he was a teenager. Today, Galius is st...
They come for the games, but they leave with something far greater. Across the world, Sports Friends camps are creating opportunities for young people to d...
We are grateful to confirm that our good friend and brother in Christ, Kevin Rideout, has been released after over nine months in captivity.
In Ethiopia, mission is taking new forms. Technology is opening doors into places once unreachable, and local believers are stepping forward with deep cult...
In northern Ghana, youth worker Charity has spent years building relationships with young people and their families. She encourages them in their faith wh...
Across the world, young people are showing a growing openness to faith: from Thailand to North Africa to Central Asia. As spiritual hunger rises among Gen ...
An encounter with rural ministry as a teenager changed the course of Samuel's life. Years later, God led him, his wife and their children from Ethiopia to ...
In Central Asia, a small group of young Christians is being intentionally equipped as emerging leaders. Mentoring, ministry experience and sports outreach ...
Creativity has become a doorway to encounter God in Addis Ababa, where mission workers Malaika and Halawi are helping believers hear His voice through pr...
In North Africa, Lobna’s life was marked by manipulation, addiction, and fear until God intervened through the faithful love of His people. This is the s...
Even in retirement, nurse midwife Beth Roberts continues to live out her calling. After nearly three decades in Guinea, she now supports mission workers, r...