Reaching Japanese for Christ Academy

A learning platform equipping believers to effectively reach and minister to Japanese
The Reaching Japanese for Christ (RJC) Academy is dedicated to helping people better introduce and represent Jesus within the Japanese culture. 

We seek to serve:

Explorers

  • Those who are new to Japan and Japanese ministry
  • Those with a general interest in missions in Japan 

Missionaries

  • Those preparing to go to Japan as short-termers or as career missionaries
  • Those in Japan (or elsewhere) already serving Japanese and seeking additional resources

Home Missions

  • Those ministering to Japanese coming to their homes and communities as either students, temporary visitors or immigrants
  • Those involved in student or ESL ministry

Japanese Disciplers

  • Japanese believers who are mentoring and discipling others in their walk with Jesus

Courses offered Spring 2026

  • Free

Preparing to Go

  • Course
  • 58 Lessons

This course is aimed to equip anyone heading to Japan for the first time with basic information on the country, culture, customs and perspective on Christianity, as well as practical travel advise on such topics as: learning the language, sharing the Gospel (and resources to find/take), how to effectively engage your support network and church back home, navigating Japan's transit, food, lodging and monetary system.

  • Free

Resources for Sharing the Gospel with Japanese

  • Course
  • 18 Lessons

Rather than being a course, this is a listing of resources and recommendations for those seeking to share the Gospel with Japanese. We hope you find useful information and resources to equip you to effectively share the message of Jesus' love!

  • $5

Japan, Religion and Christianity - A Starting Foundation

  • Course
  • 10 Lessons

This short, mini-course is a prerequisite for enrolling in the Redemptive Analogies Course series. This material explores the impact of Buddhism and Shinto on Japanese culture as well as the Japanese response to religion and Christianity.

  • Waitlist

Japan 101 - Introduction to the Japanese

  • Course
  • 69 Lessons

A general introduction to Japanese people, culture, history and religion, and to basic principles for sharing the gospel to the Japanese.

  • $30

Lead Like Jesus - Spring 2026

  • Course
  • 32 Lessons

Leadership is about influence. Lead Like Jesus offers a leadership perspective that is radically different. As part of the RJC Leadership development initiative, this course will take the 6 week study and stretch it over 6 months. We will work individually and meet monthly to discuss each section as a cohort. Join us & enhance your leadership as you learn to follow the leadership model of Jesus. Starts March 15, 2026

  • $5

The Japanese Mind - Relationships 1 (Spring 2026)

  • Course
  • 32 Lessons
  • 365-day access

This self-directed, self-paced course has been reopened for additional spring 2026 registrants This course covers the following topics: - Uchi to Soto - Close and Distant Relationships - On - Indebtedness - Giri & Zoto- Japanese Social Obligations & Gift Giving A webinar will be offered which will further address the topics that you have studied here later . Date TBD. Register for the webinar separately.

  • $5

The Japanese Mind - Relationships 2 (Spring 2026)

  • Course
  • 16 Lessons
  • 365-day access

This self-directed, self-paced course is open for registration through April 30, 2026 This course covers the following topics: - Shudan Ishiki - Japanese Group Consciousness - Sempai-Koha - Seniority Rules in Japanese Relations - Amakudari - Descent from Heaven A webinar will be offered which will further address the topics that you have studied here

  • $5

The Japanese Mind - Communication 1 (Spring 2026)

  • Course
  • 28 Lessons
  • 365-day access

This self-directed, self-paced course has been re-opened for spring 2026 applicants. This course covers the following topics related to Japanese communication: - Chinmoku: Silence in Japanese Communication - Aimai: Ambiguity - Haragei: Implicit communication An associated webinar will be offered which will further address the topics that you have studied here and is available for registration separately. Date TBD.

  • $5

The Japanese Mind - Communication 2 (Spring 2026)

  • Course
  • 28 Lessons
  • 365-day access

This self-directed, self-paced course has been re-opened for additional spring 2026 registrations. This course covers the following topics: - Honne & tatemae: private vs. public stances -Nemawashi: quietly laying the foundation -Amae: closeness/dependence -Hedataru & Najimu: “Japanese Personal Space”  A corresponding webinar will be offered (date TBD) on these same topics and requires a separate registration.

  • $25

Culture Specific Evangelism 101 Fall 2026

  • Course
  • 80 Lessons

A general introduction to culture-specific evangelism. Through this study, you will be able to more effectively explain the gospel to people of different worldviews and cultures. This course is planned to next be offered in the fall of 2026- dependent on student interest and enrollment.

Academy Course List

Not all courses are offered every term. For a complete listing of all of the courses offered by the RJC Academy, visit the course listing page below

RJC Webinars

RJC Network hosts webinars as a lecture or open discussion about a topic relevant to reaching the Japanese for Christ. The most current event is featured with recent past recordings available in the Webinar listing below. Earlier webinar recordings are listed on the RJC Network Resources page.


NEXT SCHEDULED WEBINAR:
Nothing scheduled yet



How We Operate

Each spring and fall The Academy offers a selection of courses on topics related to understanding the culture and religion of Japan, evangelism, ministry and church-multiplication among Japanese. 

Classes vary by length and learning structure. Some are shorter and self-directed while others are longer with a structured schedule and class discussion meetings. Courses are modestly priced to be accessible to all.

In general, weekly course materials are posted on the learning platform and available for students to work through at their own pace, with weekly written assignments and forum interactions due each weekend. For live, scheduled classes, instructors and students come together for class Zoom calls, which are scheduled at the beginning, end, and at intervals throughout each course. 

Click below to access a complete list of RJC Academy Courses and downloadable resources.

Who We Are

The Academy is part of the larger Reaching Japanese for Christ Network which exists because of the passion of people to see others equipped to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the Japanese in a way that will reach their hearts and change their lives. 

RJC and The Academy were started and run by life-long missionaries to Japan and continue to operate on the donations of instructors, volunteer staff, students, and those who share our dream and vision. This page includes a link for how you can give in support of The RJC Academy. Whether you are taking a course or giving to see this ministry continue and grow, you can be effectively furthering the reach of The Gospel to HIS beloved Japanese.

Donate to the Reaching Japanese for Christ Network and RJC Academy

Your generosity equips others to reach Japanese with the love of Jesus Christ.

Get Connected

The Academy is only one branch of the Reaching Japanese for Christ Network
Connect with us to learn more

Questions about The Academy

For questions, comments or general contact, send us an email

Be The First to Know

Sign up to be the first to hear about new course offerings

Find us on Facebook

Over 4,000 members connect, share and dialogue on the Reaching Japanese for Christ Network Facebook group

Visit The RJC Network

RJC’s Vision “To build a network to enhance each other’s ministries for sharing the Gospel and making disciples of Jesus Christ among Japanese” RJCのビジョン 日本人に福音を伝え、キリストの弟子とするために互いのミニストリーの徳を高めるようネットワークを築くこと

Join a Webinar

RJC hosts live webinars with recordings also available for later viewing on the website

Pray Together

Join in weekly prayer zoom calls for Japan Purchase and pray through Operation Japan (available in hard copy, eBook or digital web-format) Join the Operation Japan Facebook group for daily prayer prompts and dialogue