I don’t usually go overboard with exclamation marks, but consider yourself warned—this newsflash is the exception!
The world is arriving on our doorstep here in Osaka in five days. There’s fresh energy in the air, and it’s like stepping into a fairytale—cherry blossoms in soft pink and white everywhere you look. For some Japanese locals, this beauty offers a bit of relief amid sky-high rice prices (currently averaging R113 per kilogram!) and the ongoing stress of Trump-era trade tariffs.
Even with these challenges, it feels like everything—and everyone—is waking up from a long winter’s sleep. New life is blooming all around us. In this newsflash, we’re celebrating God’s season of growth and new beginnings. April marked the start of the academic year here, and we’ve welcomed new students to our seminary in Kobe. We’ve also had a steady stream of guests visiting us at home during the peak of the Sakura season. Here below are some photo of us preparing for and inaugurating the new start.
By the way, if you’d like to learn more about the many beautiful varieties of cherry blossoms, check out the cultural news on our brand-new website …
This brings us to the main reason for this update: to welcome you to our completely revamped website!
It’s packed with updates, videos, podcasts, stories, and much more. Stay informed by subscribing to our latest news. Feel free to share the content with your friends, small group, or church community.
Or pass along the downloadable PDF poster to someone who might be interested in the work of Mission Japan.
Today also marks exactly 16 years of service for us here in Japan. The website tells our story—in color and in depth—through over 250 posts, capturing the highs and lows, the deep moments and wide horizons we’ve experienced. And now, all the latest news is available in both English and Afrikaans. Huge thanks to Carlie Niehaus from the NG Church Free State Synod media team, who’s done an amazing job with the site’s look and feel.
Finally, thank you for walking alongside us on this ministry journey—through thick and thin. This work is always a team effort. We’re part of one body, with one hope, one baptism, and one Lord, Jesus Christ. To God be all the glory!
With peace and joy, as we look ahead to Easter,
Stéphan, Carina and family
(also on behalf of Tobie and Annalie de Wet)
