Japan 101 - Introduction to the Japanese

Japan 101 - Introduction to the Japanese - Spring/Summer 2025

Closed
Course
72 Lessons

This is the best place to begin your learning with the RJC Academy.
This eight introductory course lays the foundation to understanding the Japanese people, their culture, history and religion along with some basic principles for sharing the gospel in the context of the Japanese culture. The goal of this course is to give you a basic footing for understanding Japan and continuing on your learning journey.

-Introductory level
-No prerequisites
-Independent learning format
-Online written class interaction
-Video conferencing meetings

This class is being re-worked and will begin on June 2, 2025.

Explore the course outline and preview lessons for the first week of this course in the course outline section below.

This course has required textbooks:

How to Share the Good News With Your Japanese Friend
- $2.20 PDF here
Operation Japan, A Prayer Guide for Japan, Fifth Edition
- $7 (ebook), $9 (paperback) at Amazon
- $5.00 PDF download through The Academy (provided when you register for the Class Community)
- $5 greatly expanded, searchable digital web version download from Don Wright

Course Outline

What to Expect

READ FIRST - Additional Resources Needed for This Course

Preview

Course Schedule and Submission Deadlines

Preview

Please Introduce Yourself

Preview

Welcome to Japan 101

Week 1 - Part 1 -Japanese History

Japan 101 Introductory Video

Preview

NEW Reading: Understanding Japanese Society

Writing 1

Preview

Vote on a time that works for you to join us for a class call

Original Reading: Understanding Japan

Preview

Optional, Interesting Material: Japan-Israel

Preview

Brandalyn's Comments on Israel-Japan connection

Week 1 - Part 2 - History of Christianity in Japan

Japan 101 Video 2

Reading 1 - The Rise and Struggle of Christianity in Japan - (14pgs)

Reading 2 - General Told of Barring Offer to Create a Christian Japan - (3pgs)

Reading 2 - Christ and the Remaking of the Orient - (8pgs)

Writing 1

Writing 2

Pray

Reading 3 - "optional extra"

Week 2 - Japanese Society - Family Life

NEW Reading: Understanding Japanese Society

Japan 101 Video 3

Writing 1

Writing 2

Pray

Optional Interview

Original Reading - Understanding Japan

Week 3 - Japanese Society - Community Life

NEW Reading - Understanding Japanese Society

Original Reading - Understanding Japan

Watch: Hikikomori

Watch: Japan's Hidden Homelessness

Writing 1

Writing 2

Pray

Class Discussion Call #1 Jun 17, 2025 05:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)

Optional Readings

Week 4 - Religion in Japan

Japan 101 Video 4

A little background on Buddhism and Shinto

NEW Reading: Understanding Japanese Society

Reading - Understanding Japan

Watch: What Japanese Think of Religions

Watch: Being a Christian in Japan

Read: Cultural Barriers to the Gospel

Vote on our next class discussion call time

Writing 1

Writing 2

Pray

Optional Reading - Understanding Japan

Optional: Visit a Japanese Church

Week 5 - Japanese Culture and Christian Faith

Japan 101 Video 5

Reading - Understanding Japan

Watch: The Japanese Art of Harmony

Watch: Japanese Culture 101: Why Japanese and Americans Seem Rude to each Other

Reading 2 - (15pgs)

Writing 1 - Contextualization

Writing 2

Pray

Optional Material

Week 6 - Conclusions and Analysis

Reading 1 - (11pgs)

Reading 2 - (14pgs)

Interview 1

Interview 2

Writing 1

Pray

Writing 2

Final Class Call - July 16 @ 4pm Pacific Time

Next Steps

Looking for more "Japan 101" topics and material?

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Join The Broader Reaching Japanese for Christ Network

Take Additional Academy Courses

Support the RJC Network

Volunteer with The RJC Academy

Instructor: Naoko Boatwright

Naoko Boatwright is the RJC Academy's administrative assistant & Japan 101 instructor. Born and Raised in Japan, she has now lived in the USA for over 20 years. She and her husband currently reside in Nashville, TN, USA where she works at a University Medical Center as the research lab manager.

"Japan 101 is an ideal class for those who are new to Japanese culture. Our textbook gives a quick overview of many essential topics with deep Christian insights. I grew up in Japan, but I did not know about some of the facts in the book. I believe that this class will stir up your heart to know more about Japan and bring the people to His Kingdom!" - Naoko Boatwright

What Students Have Said About Japan 101

I have thoroughly enjoyed this study. It has been helpful as I get settled here in Japan. My goal is to continue to review the material and additional readings to deepen my understanding and continue interviews and conversations here with people.

Beth

This has been a wonderful course overall. It really opened my eyes in learning about how to reach out to Japanese in many different ways. Whereas before when a Japanese person would talk about their religion or culture, I would just step back and become quiet. Now I vigorously seek ways how I can use the Japanese history/culture to point them to Christ.

Mary T.

I have been ministering among the Japanese for many years. Some of my very closest friends are Japanese and my wife is Japanese. But my understanding of the Japanese people has just taken an important step forward because of the Japan 101 course offered by RJC. Through the readings and interacting with others I have gained practical insights into why Japanese people think and act as they do and how I might be viewed by them as I seek to build friendships and share the life-changing message of salvation by faith in Jesus Christ. I highly recommend this as a foundational course or as part of an orientation to ministry among the Japanese.

David M.

This class has provided so much information about Japanese history, culture and the way Japanese people live daily. Through this class I learned why Japan is so unique. I thought I knew a lot about Japan being a native myself, but learning from the perspective of Christianity was such a growing experience for me. I was able to look at the country of Japan and people in it from a perspective of God. How He might be feeling watching the Japanese struggle through life. God has refreshed my love and calling for Japanese people, thanks to Japan 101 class. I loved the comradery of fellow brothers and sisters, learned a lot from one another. Looking forward to seeing everyone on the day Jesus comes back. Till then, may we press on to see God working in our lives, touching more Japanese people’s hearts. The best is yet to come…