What Christians need to know about living in Japan

Hello, this is Kano from JAC (Japan Association for Construction Human Resources).

It is said that about 1% of the population in Japan believes in Christianity.
Because the number is so small, some people may feel uneasy about living in Japan as a Christian.

This time, we will introduce what Christians need to know about living in Japan.
We will also explain the Christian way of thinking in Japan.

How many people in Japan are Christians?

Christianity is a religion that believes in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and the Messiah, and follows his teachings.

It is said that there are approximately 2.4 billion Christians in the world.
This represents approximately one-third of the world's total population.

On the other hand, the number of Christians in Japan is estimated to be approximately 1.25 million.
This represents approximately 1% of Japan's total population.

Although they make up a small percentage, people who practice Christianity cherish worship services and events like Christmas in their daily lives.

Furthermore, Japan has many Christian-affiliated schools and hospitals.
Therefore, there are many opportunities to engage with Christianity regardless of one's religious beliefs.

Many churches accept weddings from non-Christians, and many people choose to have Christian-style weddings.
In particular, the pure white wedding dress, the wedding path leading from the church entrance to the altar, and the romantic traditions such as the choir's singing are highly appreciated as attractive features.

Therefore, Christianity can be said to be a religion that feels relatively familiar to Japanese people.

Things Christians need to know about living in Japan

For Christians living in Japan, there are a few things to keep in mind in your daily life.
It's a good idea to know this information in advance, especially when it comes to food choices and places of worship.

Good to know about food

Some Christian sects have food restrictions.
However, few Japanese people know this.

Therefore, please pay attention to the following points:

If you have any restrictions, such as fasting, please let us know in advance.

Catholics have a custom of abstaining from meat during Lent and on Good Friday.
Since it's not very well known in Japan, be sure to mention it when dining with Japanese people.

Also, if you have a habit of avoiding alcohol or caffeine, it's a good idea to let them know in advance.
In Japan, it's common to offer customers green tea or coffee.

Find restaurants that cater to vegetarians and vegans

Some denominations of Christianity advocate vegetarianism.
However, there are few restaurants in Japan that offer vegetarian and vegan options.

It's a good idea to find out which restaurants accept this option beforehand.

What you need to know about worship

There are Christian churches in Japan as well.
There are both Catholic and Protestant churches, and Sunday services and Masses are held here.

Since there are small churches all over the country, it's a good idea to research in advance what kind of churches are available in your area.

In urban areas such as Tokyo and Osaka, some churches offer services and Mass in English, Spanish, French, Korean, and other languages.

Are there any Christian events held in Japan?

Although Christians are a minority in Japan, Christian-related events are widely known and enjoyed as part of celebratory customs.
We will introduce Christian events that are familiar in Japan.

Christmas

In Japan, Christmas is enjoyed as an event involving the exchange of gifts and parties rather than for its religious significance.
The custom of eating fried chicken and cake especially at Christmas is unique to Japan.

Halloween

Halloween became established in Japan in the late 1990s.
It is a popular event, especially among young people, where people enjoy dressing up in costumes.

During Halloween, costume parties are held all over Japan.

Among them, Shibuya in Tokyo is a place where the most people gather.
On Halloween day, Shibuya will be crowded with people in costumes.
For safety reasons, alcohol restrictions and traffic regulations will be implemented.

valentine's day

In Japan, it has become established as "a day when women give chocolate to men to express their feelings."
In recent years, more and more people are exchanging chocolates with friends or enjoying chocolate as a treat for themselves.


Thus, Christian-derived customs are widespread in Japan.
However, its distinguishing feature is that it is accepted not as a religious event, but as a commercial and cultural event.

History of Christianity in Japan

Christianity was introduced to Japan in 1549.
That year, the Christian missionary Francis Xavier came to Japan to spread Christianity.

His missionary work was successful, and many Japanese people became interested in Christianity, but eventually, an era arrived in which the faith was strictly prohibited.
In 1612, a "Christianity ban" was issued, and Christian believers were persecuted.

In present-day Japan, freedom of religion is guaranteed by the Constitution.
Amidst these changes, various religions coexist in Japan, and individual freedom of religion is respected.

Summary: Many Japanese people have an affinity for Christianity

Christians make up only about 1% of the population in Japan.
However, because there are many Christian schools and hospitals, it is a religion that feels relatively familiar to Japanese people.

When living in Japan, be sure to inform anyone in advance about any food-related rules or regulations.
Few Japanese people are aware that there are dietary restrictions depending on the religious sect.
Vegetarians and vegans should look for restaurants that can accommodate their dietary needs beforehand.

In Japan, there are Christian churches all over the country, so there are few concerns regarding worship services.
In urban areas, some churches offer services in foreign languages.

Christian-related events such as Christmas and Valentine's Day are also celebrated in Japan.
However, it has little religious significance.
Often enjoyed as an event, it has taken on a uniquely Japanese form.

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