<br /> <img src="http://static.wix.com/media/b33b6ee36aadacabfa3054d7a6d3bf62.wix_mp_128" alt="No Frame" /><img src="http://static.wix.com/media/c5ceb16c9f4ad43966d973c030c40a42.wix_mp_128" alt="No Frame" /><img src="http://static.wix.com/media/2dab0736facfb5ab1d0cd0f346a49491.wix_mp_128" alt="No Frame" /><br /> <img src="http://static.wix.com/media/32abf3ab87617323d71a5f699142ed00.wix_mp_128" alt="No Frame" /><br /> <h1><a href="http://www.pi-fukuoka.org/home" target="_self">INSIDE JAPAN</a></h1><a href="http://www.pioneers.org" target="_blank"><img src="http://static.wix.com/media/53e881945513e6ac4426500fe4841ee6.wix_mp_128" alt="No Frame" /></a><br /> <ul> <li><a href="http://www.pi-fukuoka.org/home"><img src="http://static.wix.com/dicons/140cadJ13f51f53d-59a8-eb90-1037-a7ac8324e2de.wix_doc_ico" alt="HOME" /><strong>HOME</strong></a></li> <li><a href="http://www.pi-fukuoka.org/meet-us"><img src="http://static.wix.com/dicons/140cadJ18c041034-d46c-363d-5d0f-92600d75df72.wix_doc_ico" alt="MEET US" /><strong>MEET US</strong></a></li> <li><a href="http://www.pi-fukuoka.org/opportunities"><img src="http://static.wix.com/dicons/140cadJ1f8ed4c6a-6ac7-c95d-3de1-3fb7f517d7c5.wix_doc_ico" alt="OPPORTUNITIES" /><strong>OPPORTUNITIES</strong></a></li> <li><a href="http://www.pi-fukuoka.org/join-a-new-team"><img src="http://static.wix.com/dicons/140cadJ15977b01e-8bc2-1089-5379-b43d1032239d.wix_doc_ico" alt="JOIN A NEW TEAM" /><strong>JOIN A NEW TEAM</strong></a></li> <li><a href="http://www.pi-fukuoka.org/inside-japan"><img src="http://static.wix.com/dicons/140cadJ1a762f152-4458-4943-2234-31959398182c.wix_doc_ico" alt="INSIDE JAPAN" /><strong>INSIDE JAPAN</strong></a></li> <li><a href="http://www.pi-fukuoka.org/contact-us"><img src="http://static.wix.com/dicons/140cadJ1860d6591-5918-27c9-bab4-748dccbdb75d.wix_doc_ico" alt="CONTACT US" /><strong>CONTACT US</strong></a></li> </ul><br /> <strong>Page 1</strong><br /> <p> What are my ideas about the people of Japan? How have I formed my views of traditional Japanese people ?</p><p> It is true that we all like to think that we are tolerant and curious about the way people around the world think and live life day to day. So why do I look at this way of dressing in the hot, humid summer months as odd? Whey do I feel a bit annoyed when Japanese ladies comment on my arms being bare? It is because our values are completely different in regard to summer sun enjoyment. I was told that young children and men mostly walk around in short sleeves with no gloves. I am also told that direct sunlight hitting your skin makes your body temperature go up. I must say that I should believe this as I do perspire twice as much as a typical Japanese. Another factor comes to play here as well. Westerners value a beautiful summer tan...I do! But in Japan, white is best. You can buy whitening creams and washes and hiding from the sun is valued more than a tan. Now what should a person like me do? What are you thinking that you would do? Alas, a clash of cultures .</p><p> In the pages that follow, let's look together at culture, ideas about religion now, social struggles, and points for specific prayer.</p> <strong>Page 2</strong><br /> <p> Superstitions in Japanese Culture </p><br /> <p> What is wrong with the Number 4 ? </p><p> Many may not realize that superstitions are alive and well in Japan just as there in your country. It just has a different face and different way of expressing itself. The Japanese do not like the Number 4. It is unlucky and could be a sign of someone wishing you ill will. 4 is often skipped on the numbering of apartment or hotel rooms. Also, I can't remember ever seeing a bus numbered 4 anything. Westerners have made this up with the number 13. Why 4 you may say? 4 is shi in Japanese which also means death. So don't ever give a Japanese person 4 of anything. I made the mistake of giving a lady a set of 4 placemats. oops ! </p><br /> <p> </p><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/japanese_superstitions" target="_blank"><b>Tab Fx</b></a><br /> <p>Choosing a Seimeihandan or naming specialist </p><p>As you may know, choosing the Kanji names for children is a particular concern of parents in Japan. It is not done lightly as each name has a special meaning and usually some family significance. To consult a seimeihandan or naming medium is often done. They want a name that will guarantee the child's success and ward off childhood illnesses. They also feel that to not do so might be a diservice to the child. The medium confirming their choice of a name or giving them a new name gives the parent peace of mind of having chosen correctly. But as in all superstitions, the predictions do not pan out and yet they continue just to be "safe" </p><p>To find out more.... </p><p> </p><br /> <p> </p><a href="http://legacy.lclark.edu/~krauss/culturecapsules2002/leefukuweb/leefuku.html" target="_blank"><b>Tab Fx</b></a> <strong>Page 3</strong><br /> <p> The Revelency of Religion in Today's Thinking </p><p></p><p> Graveside worship and the cyclical visitation of temples and shrines gives westerners clues and insight into the Japanese religious mindset. Japan is modern and progressive in the 21th Century, yet cultural values are still present. Japanese people value being remembered. It is a form of repect and honor. It is sign of a life well lived here on earth. They worship at the graves to remember. Secondly, respect for someone who is your senior whether in family or in school or in the workplace is another value born out of Buddhism and shintoism. They worship their ancestors because they have gone before and attained wisdom that those who come after should learn from them. In every day life, they show respect for upper classmen and coworkers with seniority in the same way. How does play out in society? One way is seen in the giving of seasonal gifts. The department stores set up elaborate gift giving centers where you can submit you list of names for seasonal gifts. Then you chose fruit, meat, or gift sets for those who are above you in the workplace. There is no end to this once you have begun. Since they value playing it safe, it is not wise to neglect respect of one's seniors.</p> <strong>Page 4</strong><br /> <p> * The "Sensei and the Student " </p><p></p><p>Sensei, as many know, is the Japanese word for teacher. It also carries with it the idea that the sensei is experienced and is an expert in their field. The desire to respect someone for years of hard work and effort is admirable for sure but this idea can actually be a hindrance to evangelism in Japan. Stop for a minute and think how that may be possible. </p><p></p><p>The idea that a lay person in a church can be an effective communicator of the Gospel or a qualified teacher in a Sunday School or outreach evangelism class is a hard concept to impress upon a Japanese believer. They feel they have no visable credentials and therefore no authority by which to speak. Hesitancy to teach discipleship groups after having graduated from them is a huge problem. This lack of being able to pass the baton slows down the spread of the Gospel. It also burdens the pastors and missionaries to "do it all"</p><p></p><p>Prayer point: Pray that believers will have confidence in their relationship with God and share the Gospel even when they don't feel qualified "on paper". </p><br /> <p> </p> <strong>Page 5</strong><br /> <ul> <li><strong>Page 1</strong></li> <li><strong>Page 2</strong></li> <li><strong>Page 3</strong></li> <li><strong>Page 4</strong></li> <li><strong>Page 5</strong></li> </ul><br /> <ul> <li><img src="http://static.wix.com/media/3e0e40000910051951961054449597b6.wix_mp_128" alt="Summer wear" /><strong>Summer wear</strong></li> <li><img src="http://static.wix.com/media/6d22960ddaa021c31d169cf3e2e3a3f6.wix_mp_128" alt="kendo" /><strong>kendo</strong></li> <li><img src="http://static.wix.com/media/bea581557dfbb76d7a7f0961e93ed388.wix_mp_128" alt="Mount Fuji" /><strong>Mount Fuji</strong></li> <li><img src="http://static.wix.com/media/e11e6e4b6fa7a537a68d3ee0c839fbf1.wix_mp_128" alt="Fukuoka " /><strong>Fukuoka </strong></li> <li><img src="http://static.wix.com/media/8e8450458b3c28da04f8fa0b57df4948.wix_mp_128" alt="Sakura " /><strong>Sakura </strong></li> <li><img src="http://static.wix.com/media/34210bc711a2582e0ece120ce01e8271.wix_mp_128" alt="Tanabata " /><strong>Tanabata </strong></li> <li><img src="http://static.wix.com/media/7fa11ed3881871f9b8bdcbaaf3fa20e5.wix_mp_128" alt="Yamadera Shrine" /><strong>Yamadera Shrine</strong></li> <li><img src="http://static.wix.com/media/e9a58af43b9fe464b8345b8538541493.wix_mp_128" alt="Efficient Trains!" /><strong>Efficient Trains!</strong></li> <li><img src="http://static.wix.com/media/a5a6625ca77da74e42ddcf10cb703653.wix_mp_128" alt="Meinohama " /><strong>Meinohama </strong></li> </ul><br /> <br /> <p> © PIONEERS Fukuoka Team 2011 All rights reserved.</p>
HOME
MEET US
OPPORTUNITIES
JOIN A NEW TEAM
CONTACT US