Most Japanese are curious about Christianity. They admire Western culture, and Christianity is viewed as a key aspect of that culture. When asked if they could pick a new religion to start over in life, 30% of Japanese say they would choose Christianity. Still, this curiosity does not directly lead to receptivity.

Many major challenges must be overcome for a typical Japanese to be open to the gospel:

-    Lack of understanding, due to a lack of exposure. Such words as "God," "sin," and "salvation" have no meaning to the average Japanese.

-   For Japanese, group identity tends to be more important than individual identity.

• They often think about how their actions will affect others and what others will think of them.
• A commitment to Christ may mean conflict with other Japanese, even alienation-a condition that is especially hard for someone raised in such a group-oriented culture.
• One Japanese pastor summarized the issue by quoting Proverbs 29:25-"The fear of man will prove to be a snare."

-    Materialism and secularism are powerful distractions against belief for the average Japanese.

Fortunately, these barriers are somewhat minimized for Japanese who come to America's university campuses.  Because of the following factors, it is especially strategic to reach Japanese international students:

+   Being in the U.S. removes Japanese students from many cultural pressures to conform.

+   Japanese students in America generally have a strong desire to build friendships with Americans and practice conversational English.

+   They have a greater opportunity to meet vibrant Christians and visit loving churches in America than they would in their homeland.

+   Because many Japanese are searching for meaning in life, they may be quite responsive to Christian activities in America - including events that would not be attractive to most American non-Christians.