Introduction / History

The first ethnic Japanese came to Brazil in 1908. They came from southern Japan, and they hoped to become coffee growers. Most had a good farming background, and they introduced better forms of irrigation and farming techniques. They eventually became landowners.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Japanese in Brazil can be architects, engineers, artists, businessmen or politicians. They tend to be well educated. The Brazilian Japanese have strong community associations. They marry within their group. They try to keep to themselves and are proud of their cultural heritage. Japanese young people attend special schools on Saturdays to learn the Japanese language and culture.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The majority of the Japanese in Brazil claim to be Shinto and Buddhists like the people of Japan. For many secular Japanese, Buddhism is more cultural than religious.
Buddhism is the major world religion based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama or the Buddha, who lived in the 6th and 5th century BC in ancient India. The Buddha taught the Four Noble Truths by which one can gain spiritual knowledge and escape the endless cycles of reincarnation.
Mahayana Buddhism is the dominant branch of Japanese Buddhism. It asserts that by following the six perfections that a Buddhist can move along the path to Enlightenment.
Two of the important Buddhist yearly holidays are Vesak, the Buddha's birthday celebrated in May or June. Bodhi Day, the holiday in December or January commemorates the day that the historical Buddha experienced enlightenment under a Bodhi tree.

What Are Their Needs?

The Japanese in Brazil must understand that material success will not bring them the peace of mind and hope that they desire. Brazilian Christian believers can build friendships with their Japanese neighbors and show them the love of Christ in practical ways.

Prayer Points

Pray that Japanese evangelicals in Brazil will evangelize their Japanese neighbors.
Pray for a spiritual hunger that will lead the Japanese in Brazil to seek and find the one, true God of the Bible.
Ask the Lord to send workers to the Japanese in Brazil.
Pray the Lord raises up a movement to Christ among the Japanese in Brazil in this decade.

Scripture Prayers for the Japanese in Brazil.