April 8, 2025/
A joint mission of the Dutch Reformed Church in South Africa and other church groups worldwide, in close partnership with the Reformed Church in Japan.
A faith action, dependent on the voluntary support and prayers of individuals, groups, and Christian faith communities from around the world.
A network of support for our mission partners, working as bridge builders for the gospel of Jesus Christ in Japan.
God’s light shines here in unique ways. Our ministry focuses on the Kobe Reformed Theological Seminary and nationwide church ministries.
This platform serves as a place for collaborators to join us in living out the Christian faith, hope, and love in Japan.
I was struggling to commit fully to the conviction that had been growing in my heart for several years—namely, to make a complete surrender to God. I kept postponing the matter, offering various excuses. However, as I read the book, (Absolute Surrender - by Rev. Andrew Murray ) my understanding of what it means to make such a surrender changed and was renewed.
I began studying at the Kobe Reformed Theological Seminary (KRTS) in April 2024. The reason why I started my studies here, was because I was asked to give a message at the Sunday worship service at the church I belong to (which is not a Reformed church). The pastor was undergoing cancer treatment and was not in good enough shape to continue preaching.
After completing three months of children’s ministry training in South Africa in September 2010, I returned to Japan. In September 2011, I started a worship service for young children at Tokushima Church with Carina van der Watt.
Japan is a bustling society and a resilient nation with remarkable ambition and capabilities. The rapidly aging population currently stands at 125 million people, with 30% over 65 years old and about 90% living in cities. For the Japanese, “god” is not a personal god, and religion is not a norm for their lives. Many Japanese still have small Shinto shrines or Buddhist altars in their homes. They are skeptical about faith in a single religion or deity and critical of such beliefs.
The Reformed Church in Japan (RCJ) is a vibrant church, currently in its 79th year of existence (in 2025). The RCJ has approximately 10,000 members in 140 congregations nationwide. However, about 40 of these congregations are without a full-time minister. The need is undeniable. Over the past 50 years, a very close partnership and mission cooperation have developed between the RCJ and the South African Dutch Reformed Church (NG Church) family through Mission Japan.
KRTS (Kobe Reformed Theological Seminary) was founded in 1947, a year after the founding of the Reformed Church in Japan (RCJ). However, the roots go back to before the Second World War, which ended in 1945. According to its charter, KRTS is committed to the historic Reformed faith manifested in the Westminster Standards of Faith. The current faculty continues to maintain that commitment.
The Van der Watt family’s involvement with the RCJ began in April 2009, 15 years ago. They were sent to Shikoku Island through Mission Japan. Their role was to support and equip 19 small congregations and to follow up on the pioneering work of Rev. Tobie and Annalie de Wet, whose work in Japan started 50 years ago (1974).
To be coworkers in various ways – individuals, small groups, or congregations.
By sharing the work of Mission Japan with others and encouraging them to become coworkers.
Mission Japan would gladly receive contact details from new supporters.
Finances are needed to carry out the work effectively.
Japan is an expensive country with high living costs.
The local church is small and financially challenged.
Mission Japan relies on the regular and sustained financial support of congregations and individuals.
Monthly contributions are the most effective way to assist us in our budgeting efforts.
Japan consists out of over
Mount Fuji is country’s tallest peak
Known for its speedy bullet trains
Contact our mission partners
“For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.”
2 Corinthians 4:5
© 2025 Mission Japan
