Ministry Internships in Japan (up to 3 months)

Are you a college student looking for an opportunity to fulfill an internship requirement with a cross-cultural program overseas? Inquire with SIM and Asian Access to learn more about serving alongside ministry leaders in Japan. We are able to work with many internship course requirements to give you valuable overseas ministry experience in Japan.

Start your journey in ministry. Get hands-on experience through this cross-cultural internship.

Come and see how God can use an internship with SIM and Asian Access in Japan to change the course of your life.  

SIM LAUNCH Internship Program from SIM USA on Vimeo.

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Program Details

Through an SIM Embark Internship and partnered with Asian Access, you are provided with:

• A coordinator dedicated to helping you find the opportunity that best suits you.
• U.S.-based orientation and book study.
• Cross-cultural ministry experience.
• Mentorship by experienced cross-cultural workers in your country of service.
• Language learning.
• U.S.-based debrief and follow up.

In partnership with a local Japanese church, this is an intensive internship experience for those considering long-term cross-cultural ministry.

Internship Qualifications

1. Love Jesus Christ & have been a Christian for at least 1 year by time of application.
2. Native or fluent English speaker.
3. At least 19 years old or completed 1 year of college.
4. Active member of a local church.
5. Your school/organization must endorse your participation and agree with our statement of faith.
6. Commits to complete all training materials.
7. Commits to raise funds for trip.
8. Baptized before departure to Japan.

When will the Embark Internship take place?

Specifically for the Japan internship, the program typically takes place during the summer. Other timelines can potentially be worked with on an individual basis. Please reach out to us about internship opportunities in Japan!

How much will my internship cost?

Costs will vary, depending on length and location. For example, the support costs for a previous 8 week internship was $3265 plus international travel.

Next Step

PURSUING YOUR INTERNSHIP

Fill out the contact form on this page and indicate your interest. We'll contact you to answer any questions you may have and walk you through the application process.

From Urbana to Japan!

Did you go to Urbana '22? Let's reconnect...

Urbana is a huge student missions conference sponsored by InterVarsity Christian Fellowship...

Japan | Preparing for this Opportunity from SIM USA on Vimeo.

Watch this short video to see how you can begin preparing.

WILL YOU JOIN US?

Are you passionate about partnering with the local Church to reach communities where Jesus is least known? Please pray about being a part of this opportunity!

Contact us today by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with questions or complete the “Pre-App” on the linked page to get started. Be sure to include “Japan Team” in the message section along with your level of interest and/or questions. We’ll be in touch to start the journey!

APPLICATION DEADLINE: February 1st of each year...

Japan 2020 | Who is a Good Fit for this Opportunity from SIM USA on Vimeo.

Do you have a heart for those who don’t know Jesus? Do you have a growing interest to explore how God can use you as part of His global mission? This is a great opportunity to experience ministry with a team and a local church in communities where Jesus is least known. A specific love for Japan and some Japanese language would be wonderful but are not a requirement. A flexible heart and desire to serve are key. Watch this short video and see if this describes you...

Japan | Invitation from SIM USA on Vimeo.

SHORT-TERM OPPORTUNITY | SUMMER 2020

Japan is home to nearly 127 million people. Less than 1% of them are Christian.

Through SIM’s partnership with Asian Access, we have an established relationship with Japanese churches that want to take the good news of Jesus to those who have never heard it. These churches are asking for more workers to help...

Japan | Connecting through Community Outreach from SIM USA on Vimeo.

Short-term teams and interns will take part primarily in two ministries, both under the leadership of the Japanese Church. First, they will come alongside the local Church to help them host outreach events such as block parties, culture nights, pick-up sports games, dramas, and conversational English practice. These creative avenues to making community connections will leverage the unique skills and gifts of each team...{addthis off}

Japan | The Opportunity for the Japanese Church from Asian Access on Vimeo.

JAPAN : A FOCUS ON 'ETERNAL HOPE'

The summer provides a unique opportunity for us to send workers, as Japan once again opens its borders to tourists from around the world...

Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. – Isaiah 43:19 I was struck by hope at the recent A2/Japan National Pastors Conference in Sapporo… All of these pastors pictured here as well as several others shared stories of new life springing forth through their outreach efforts. Many of these pastors ventured “out of their normal boxes” to take their faith...{addthis off}

Japan (MNN) — It’s not easy reaching the Japanese for Christ. According to Asian Access, Japan has some of the toughest spiritual ground around.

But, that was before the triple disaster of 2011. Now, hearts have been softened.

Many Japanese are ready to hear the Good News of Jesus. In order to reach them, Asian Access is investing over...

Short-Term Teams in Japan

For over 50 years, Asian Access has specialized in sending missionaries to Japan to partner with visionary pastors and congregations to help start and strengthen Japanese churches. The foundations of our organization were built upon years of a robust summer short-term teams program. Japan is wide open for your gifts.

If you want to serve God as a cross-cultural missionary, keep reading.

• Idolatry.
• Materialism.
• Hopelessness.
• Suicide.
• <1% Christian.

Those are just some of the reasons the unreached in Japan need you to tell them about Christ.

• Servanthood.
• Impact.
• Life-changing.
• Relationships.
• Glorify God.

Wanted: Resilient Harvest Workers

That's right! We're looking for people who know God has a heart for the world and are ready to do something about it. This summer, share the gift of Jesus Christ among one of the most strategic unreached people groups on earth.

You'll see new sights, eat delicious foods, and serve with a Japanese church to reach out to their community for Christ. Through Asian Access, you'll learn about a new culture and share your life with your Japanese church and those they are reaching out to through English teaching, coffeehouses, testimonies and your specific gift mix.

Are you ready to see God at work in Japan? Are you ready to serve? Are you ready to learn? Are you ready for the adventure? You will never be the same.

j-Teams is an opportunity for a team of 3-5 people from your church or school to work with a Japanese church to do community outreach through English classes, coffee houses, children's ministry, hip-hop classes, camp and other relationship-building activities. Team members' specific interests and abilities (music, drama, sports, cooking, crafts, etc.) can usually be incorporated into the ministry as well.

j-Teams Quick Info

Now is the time to start making plans. 

Here's how you can get started.

1. 1. Start praying about Japan and your involvement. Ask God to give you a heart for Japan and its people.
   2. Find out more. Read more on this website, then email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Tell us you're interested in possibly bringing a team to Japan.
   3. Talk to a missions pastor or staff sponsor about your desire to bring a team to Japan. We can contact them with information if they would like to know more.
   4. If you feel led to try putting a team together from your church or school to flood the streets of Japan with the Gospel, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for resources on How To Recruit A Team. A team should be composed of 3-5 people from your church or school (college age and up). Each team member must have a love for people, a strong understanding of the Gospel, and a desire to share it. English is the only language necessary. No one will have to be fluent in Japanese. (What a relief!) Of course, we'll teach you a few key phrases, you know, to help you find the restroom or to meet and greet people.
   5. You'll need to get together a game plan for how your team can raise support. We have some training materials will help give you the tools and ideas you need to get on your way. With our materials to provide guidance, before you know it, you'll have a team in Japan tackling the Great Commission during an exciting summer overflowing, bursting with life.
   6. Keep praying and pray some more. 

This year, teams are being sent to churches across Japan, and you can go too! There is someone in Japan waiting to hear the gospel from you and your team.

Interested in assembling a team from your church or school? Reach out to us and keep reading... 

Long-Term Options (2+ years) 

What does this assignment in Japan involve?

Learning a new culture. Teaming with other believers. Worshiping with them. Serving under a Japanese pastor. Making new friends in the community. Sharing Christ with them. Linking them to the church. Using your gifts, abilities and interests. Making disciples. Trusting God to build His church...

Invest two or more years of your life partnering with a Japanese pastor and congregation!

Ministry Opportunities to Serve

Japan: Hungry for Christ's Love

Japan is an affluent nation where money can't buy peace. Symptoms of this spiritual vacuum are obvious -- social turmoil is in every city, suicide are at all-time highs, scandals are commonplace, traditional religions are on the decline.

As a result, there's a hunger for Christ's love that you can bring!

How can you impact this nation with tremendous sociological and spiritual needs? God may use you to help draw this strategic Asian nation to Himself. Are you ready to be used by Him?

Various Ministry Opportunities

Short-Term and Long-Term Mission Trips to Japan

There are four ministry programs, depending on the length you can serve:

• Short Term Teams (2-3 weeks)
• Vision Trips (up to 1 month)
• Internships (up to 3 months)
• Long Term (2+ years)

For more info about any of these service opportunities, keep reading on this site.

Alumni Speak Out...

"I’ve not only helped send our people to Japan through Asian Access, but I went with them myself. Asian Access is doing great things for God in Asia."

Dr. Ken Uyeda Fong
Podcaster, Asian America Podcast; Former Senior Pastor, Evergreen Baptist Church of Los Angeles

1. Who is a Good Fit for Ministry in Japan?

Watch the brief video to see what kinds of people we're looking for...

2. Are you comfortable raising financial support?

Please note that SIM missionaries raise financial support. We trust God to provide and we will assist you in the support raising process! If this is a concern for you, our recruitment team will be happy to discuss this process with you further.

3. Ready to take the next step? Here's how to get started!

If after watching the video clip, you're interested in pursuing an application for ministry, the next step is to complete a contact form with SIM. The form is coordinated by and followed up by SIM, as part of our strategic partnership for Japan.

To begin your journey, read these instructions first:

1. Fill out the contact form on the SIM website.
   • When completing the form, be sure to indicate that you're interested in "serving in Japan" and that you found the contact form via go2japan.org. You can write this within the optional "Message" field or where it says: "Tell us about your interest in cross-cultural ministry". You can also mention our Japan recruiter Bethany Ho.
   • Please note that this does not guarantee a Japan placement, but just helps SIM know how you came to them. 
2. When on the SIM website, you will also be able to find different SIM regional websites that you can visit to learn more.

We look forward to hearing your story and talking together about where God is calling you to serve.

4. Email us to let us know you are applying.

Let us know to be on the lookout for your contact form. Email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

5. Now click the button to start your journey...

Are you interested in sharing the gospel with people who don't know Jesus Christ? We'd love for you to join SIM and Asian Access in prayer, resourcing, and serving. Click the appropriate button below and fill out the appropriate inquiry form to connect with us. We look forward to hearing from you!

Check out this overview of various short-term ministry opportunities in Japan with Asian Access. . .