Kikai in Japan

Introduction / History

The Kikai people are the traditional inhabitants of Japan’s Kikai Island, in the East China Sea in southern Japan. They have always had a connection with Japan’s main island, though they have their own language. This language is a dialect of the Ryukyuan language spoken in the Ryukyu Islands. They also speak standard Japanese.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Kikai people have preserved their traditional traditions and cultural practices while adapting to the modern world. Their culture is dominated by that of Japan, but they have also been influenced by the cultures of China and Southeast Asia.

Their livelihood is largely from agriculture, especially the growing sugar cane. Many of their traditions and cultural events are related to agriculture. Like other people groups, the Kikai have their own forms of music and dancing which is taught from one generation to the next

What Are Their Beliefs?

Though the Kikai are officially Buddhist, they also have their own traditional beliefs. This is common in Buddhism. That religion is flexible, and it allows for many outside beliefs.

What Are Their Needs?

The Kikai people need to put their trust and identity in the hands of the loving God of Creation who sent his son to make it possible for them to enter the Kingdom of God.

Prayer Points

Pray for a "Book of Acts" type of movement to Christ among the Kikai.

Pray God will have mercy on the Kikai, doing whatever it takes to place them in a position to receive him.

Ask God to open the hearts of the Kikai to the gospel.

Pray for an unstoppable movement to Christ among them.

Text Source:   Joshua Project