Source: TWR, August 9, 2016
Probably because of its long history as a mission field combined with its highly successful assimilation of Western-dominated industry and contemporary culture, many are surprised to learn that Japan still has one of the largest populations of people unreached by the gospel. That means only a tiny portion of its nearly 130 million people—significantly less than 1 percent, in fact—are evangelical Christians.
After a 2011 earthquake and tsunami overwhelmed the northeastern region of Tohoku, killing nearly 16,000, sparking meltdowns at nuclear reactors and driving more than 200,000 from their homes, many Japanese felt the certainty of their worldview had been undermined. The people seemed more open to hearing the gospel presented; the previously stony ground had begun to soften.
Another development at the same time facilitated the door opening: Radio, which had played a key role in informing the public during the crisis, gained renewed respect.
Along with people to handle organizational and technical matters, 25 pastors were recruited to develop and present the programming.
“We told them to preach a Christ-centered gospel message boldly,” said [TWR regional ministry director] Samuel Tan. “Anything not Christ-centered, delete. This is what people in Japan need.”