FAQ: What kind of Bibles do they have in Japan?

The Bible continues to be the bestselling book in Japan, each year! There are many translations of the Japanese Bible. Some older versions like the bungotai and kogoyaku have been replaced by more modern versions. The shinkaiyaku translation done in the 1970s is widely used in most evangelical churches. This was followed with a similar ecumenical translation. There is also a translation of the Living Bible. Several pastors, including our Rengo’s Dr. Izuta, have translated the Bible themselves. Izuta’s translation is being distributed to junior and senior high students by the Gideons. There are also a manga (graphic novel) Bible and many digital versions and apps. A large committee was recently organized to develop a more contemporary translation, a project that will take several years.