Returnees, and what they face

So many Japanese live abroad today — as students, on business, or through international marriage. One consequence: God's work of reaching Japanese people isn't limited to Japan, but happens throughout the world. Many come in contact with the Gospel while living overseas, put their faith in Christ, and return to Japan. Others are already believers who grow in faith through the experience of living abroad.

The number of people returning to Japan as new Christians, or those just beginning to seek the Lord, is around 1,600 per year.

But the challenges are many: reverse culture shock, the busyness of life in Japan, family relationships. About 80% end up drifting away from church within a few years of returning.