In one of the women’s meetings Elaine heard many ghost stories from the women. Because over 400 people had died in that neighborhood alone, many survivors are concerned for the wandering spirits (yurei) who died in the disaster. This has resulted in difficulties sleeping and fear of the locations where many have died especially at nighttime.
For many the image of Japan is an advanced modern nation; yet Japan continues to have a worldview of animism and the spiritual world. We have heard many of these stories over the years and according to surveys about 20% of Japanese have reported seeing a ghost. 10% have known the presence of an evil power. To fight evil, amulets (ofuda) are still widely seen from children’s backpacks to car bumper stickers. This continuing concern for the spirit world is one reason why Japan continues to be more resistant to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We feel that this is a weapon that Satan utilizes to enslave this entire society.
We are Biblical Christians so we believe in the reality of God himself, angels, demons and an unseen spiritual world. To many Japanese this is very real every day. The good News is Jesus is victorious and more powerful over all “gods” and spirits. Pray for us and our ministry partners that we may be true heralds of the victorious Jesus, courageous in all circumstances that we may help people be delivered from their fear.