Most Japanese people identify themselves both as Buddhists and Shintoists. On the other hand, surveys have also consistently shown that only one-third of the people profess a religious faith.

Are missionaries still needed in Japan? Many churches have fewer than 30 members and an increasing number of churches have no pastor.

Francis Xavier brought Christianity to Japan in 1549. However in 1612 as many as 300,000 Japanese Christians were persecuted and many were martyred. The country was closed to all foreigners for 250 years.