Hello Everyone!

We want to thank you for your participation and support for our work in Japan.

As you probably know, all the work with the Olympics that we tried to do didn't happen. However, the last few weeks, God has done some amazing things, and that's still ongoing. People are praying. We're signing up people for a million hours of prayer! Can you believe that?

Japan (MNN) — The 2020 Tokyo Olympics are officially underway following today’s Opening Ceremony. Delayed by the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, the Games will run through August 8th. See a full schedule here. The Tokyo Paralympics begin August 24th.

Japan (MNN) — Will there be any fans in the stands at next month’s Tokyo Olympics? Event organizers could announce their decision as early as today.

Japan (MNN) — Playbooks released yesterday introduce new COVID-19 restrictions and requirements ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The guidelines limit participants’ movement and require more testing.

Japan (MNN) — As cherry blossoms bloom across Japan, the country has barred international spectators from the rescheduled 2021 Summer Olympics due to concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic. 600,000 people bought tickets to watch the games in-person.

Japan (MNN) — Support for the Tokyo Olympics just hit a new low in Japan. The latest spike in Tokyo’s COVID-19 infections has 80-percent of Japanese residents saying the Summer Games should be rescheduled again, or canceled altogether.

“People have different feelings. Some [are] saying, ‘it’s impossible so let’s give up’; [the] government hasn’t,” Takeshi Takazawa explains. Takazawa is Vice President for Missional Engagement and is the former National Director for Asian Access in Japan.

Japan (MNN) — The coronavirus dealt another discouraging blow this week. Officials are postponing the Summer Olympic Games to 2021. More details here. The Olympics have been cancelled three times but never postponed. “Japan as a society is disappointed that we’re having to delay. Likewise, all of us that are doing ministry related to the Olympics have a sense of disappointment. However, we also want the world to be safe,” Joe Handley of Asian Access tells MNN. “We realize what’s at stake so we’re trying to reach out in a different way...

Japan 2020 | 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 in 2020!

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 2020” in the message section along with your level of interest and/or questions. We’ll be in touch to start the journey!

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Feb. 1, 2020...{addthis off}

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...{addthis off}

Japan 2020 | 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...{addthis off}

Japan 2020 | 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 2020 | The Opportunity for the Japanese Church from SIM USA on Vimeo.

JAPAN 2020: A FOCUS ON 'ETERNAL HOPE'

The summer of 2020 provides a unique opportunity for us to send workers, as Japan opens its borders for athletes and spectators from around the world gathering in Tokyo for the Olympics...{addthis off}

Japan (MNN) – In his New Year address, Japan’s emperor Naruhito greeted his subjects, wished them well, hoped for a disaster-free year, and tried to set a tone of optimism. It was a message that resonated with people now struggling on multiple fronts. Joe Handley, president of Asian Access, said there are various layers on the social issues. “The people are not happy,...{addthis off}

Yoshiya Hari, A2/Japan national director shares a report on a number of ministry fronts... The Church Multiplication Vision Festa held in Tokyo as well as the Rugby World Cup and 2020 Tokyo Olympics...{addthis off}

Next year an immense opportunity is knocking at our doors and you can play a part in it! Tokyo is hosting the 2020 Olympics and Asian Access in partnership with SIM is mobilizing teams to participate through partnering with local churches in reaching out. I hope you’ll join us! We’re praying for a breakthrough and believing that God has a plan to see the Christian population double by 2023 and the Olympic year presents a unique springboard for this to happen. In a few weeks, Japan is hosting the Rugby World Cup which starts the wheels rolling. Then, next summer you can take part through teams coming to serve before the games as Tokyo hosts both the Olympic and Paralympic Games...{addthis off}