Z-Archived - Japan 101 - Understanding Japan

Closed
Course
68 Lessons

An eight week course that gives a general introduction to Japanese culture, history and religion. It also introduces the basic principles for sharing the gospel in the context of the Japanese culture.

This class will next be offered in fall 2022

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

Three required textbooks:

Understanding Japan Through The Eyes Of Christian Faith; (Fifth Edition), 2014
- $14.95 at Amazon OR
- $6 PDF download through The Academy
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

READ FIRST - Additional Resources Needed for This Course

Preview

Week 1 - A Brief Review

Japan 101 Introductory Video

Reading 1

Reading 2

Reading 3

Writing 1

Writing 2

Pray

Class Call

Class Call 1 recording

Optional, Interesting Material

Week 2 - Japanese History

Japan 101 Week 2 Video

Reading 1

Reading 2

Reading 3

Reading 4

Writing 1

Writing 2

Pray

Week 3 - Japanese Society

Japan 101 Week 3 Video

Reading 1

Reading 2

Watch: Hikikomori

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

Interview

Writing 1

Writing 2

Pray

Optional Material

Week 4 - Religion in Japan

Japan 101 Week 4 Video

Reading 1

Reading 2

Watch: What Japanese Think of Religions

Visit a Japanese Church

Writing 1

Writing 2

Pray

Class Call May 10th at 5pm Pacific

Week 5 - Christianity and Japan

Reading 1

Reading 2

Watch: Being a Christian in Japan

Listen to: Cultural Barriers to Belief

Writing 1

Writing 2

Pray

Reading 3

Week 6 - Japanese Culture and Christian Faith

Japan 101 Week 6 Video

Reading 1

Reading 2

Writing 1 - Japanese Pre-Contextualization Assignment

Writing 2

Writing 3

Pray

Week 7 - Conclusions and Analysis

Reading 1

Reading 2

Reading 3

Interview

Pray

Week 8 - Review

Interview

Writing 1

Writing 2

Pray

Final Class Call

Final Class Call Recording

Next Steps

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…