Japanese in Panama


Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge

Introduction / History

Racially, culturally, and ethnically, the Japanese are one of the most homogenous people groups in the world. They identify themselves in terms of biological heritage, birth in Japan, a shared culture, and a common language (Japanese).

At the end of WWII, Japan lay in ruins, but they soon emerged as an economic power. Today their economy is the third largest in the world. In order to keep their multi-national corporations running the way they want them to, some Japanese employees have had to move to other countries like Panama.


Where Are they Located?

Most Japanese live in Japan, but there is a large diaspora in China, the US, Canada, Brazil, and Peru. There is also a small Japanese diaspora in Panama.


What Are Their Lives Like?

Today's Japanese diaspora is primarily professional and business-savvy. They are often working for Japanese corporations all over the world, but they plan to return to Japan in a couple of years. They have a strong work ethic, and they often work long hours. They have little social contact with the local population, and they speak mainly Japanese among themselves. Christian women might have the opportunity to reach out to Japanese housewives who have little contact with the world outside the home.

The uniqueness of Japanese culture can be seen in their art forms, which include the highly refined flower arrangements, calligraphy, puppetry, and theater. Typically Japanese housewives participate in some of these art forms at local Buddhist temples while their husbands are at work.

Traditional and Western forms of recreation include baseball, sumo wrestling, judo, karate, table tennis, fishing, volleyball, shogi (Japanese chess) and go (a complicated game of strategy). Gardening is a popular hobby for both men and women.


What Are Their Beliefs?

The Japanese are usually both Buddhist and Shintoist. Many Japanese are indifferent and skeptical of established religion. Some treat religion as a means towards an end. But given the high number of Japanese-based religious groups, one can surmise that many Japanese are looking for some form of spirituality.


What Are Their Needs?

On the outside, the Japanese seem to have few needs. However, many of them have become obsessed with materialistic pleasures, careers, and possessions. Their greatest need is to be introduced to the Father through His Son, Jesus.


Prayer Points

Pray that Christian businessmen will have open doors to share the gospel with the Japanese.
Pray that Japanese believers will have opportunities to share the love of Jesus with their families and friends.
Pray that God will raise up teams of intercessors to stand in the gap to faithfully pray for these precious people.
Ask the Lord to raise up strong local churches among the Japanese.


Scripture Prayers for the Japanese in Panama.


References

https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/12322/PM
https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/12322/JA
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2013/01/19/national/media-national/japans-growing-diaspora-reflects-concern-for-the-countrys-future/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_diaspora
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Japanese_diaspora
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gosei_(Japanese_diaspora)
http://www.discovernikkei.org/en/journal/2014/9/3/japanese-diaspora-vietnam/


Profile Source:   Keith Carey  

People Name General Japanese
People Name in Country Japanese
Pronunciation jae-puh-NEEZ
Alternate Names Ko; Nihonjin; Nikkei; Wa; Wajin; Yamato; जपानीस
Population this Country 2,300
Population all Countries 119,242,000
Total Countries 48
Indigenous No
Progress Scale 1
Unreached Yes
Frontier People Group No
GSEC 4  (per PeopleGroups.org)
Pioneer Workers Needed 1
PeopleID3 12322
ROP3 Code 104189

No people group map currently available. Use the above button to submit a map.


Ethnolinguistic map or other map

Primary Religion: Buddhism
Major Religion Percent
Buddhism
70.00 %
Christianity  (Evangelical 0.50 %)
1.50 %
Ethnic Religions
0.00 %
Hinduism
0.00 %
Islam
0.00 %
Non-Religious
5.00 %
Other / Small
23.50 %
Unknown
0.00 %
Primary Language Japanese
Language Code jpn   Ethnologue Listing
Language Written Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 1
Primary Language Japanese
Language Code jpn   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 1
People Groups Speaking Japanese

Primary Language:  Japanese

Bible Translation Status  (Years)
Bible-Portions Yes  (1837-1992)
Bible-New Testament Yes  (1879-1993)
Bible-Complete Yes  (1883-2018)
FCBH NT (www.bible.is) Online
YouVersion NT (www.bible.com) Online
Possible Print Bibles
Amazon
World Bibles
Forum Bible Agencies
National Bible Societies
World Bible Finder
Virtual Storehouse
Resource Type Resource Name Source
Audio Recordings Audio Bible teaching Global Recordings Network
Film / Video God's Story video God's Story
Film / Video Jesus Film: view in Japanese Jesus Film Project
Film / Video Love letter to you from scripture Father's Love Letter
Film / Video LUMO film of Gospels Bible Media Group/LUMO
Film / Video Magdalena video Jesus Film Project
Film / Video My Last Day video, anime Jesus Film Project
Film / Video Rock International: King of Glory Rock International
Film / Video Story of Jesus for Children Jesus Film Project
Film / Video The Hope Video Mars Hill Media
Film / Video World Christian Videos World Christian Videos
General Bible for Children Bible for Children
General Biblical answers to your questions Got Questions Ministry
General Faith Comes By Hearing - Bible in text or audio or video Faith Comes by Hearing
General Faith Comes By Hearing - Bible in text or audio or video Faith Comes by Hearing
General Faith Comes By Hearing - Bible in text or audio or video Faith Comes by Hearing
General Four Spiritual Laws Cru
General Scripture Earth Gospel resources links Scripture Earth
General Voice of the Martyrs resources Voice of the Martyrs
General YouVersion Bible versions in text and/or audio YouVersion Bibles
Mobile App Android Bible app direct APK download SIL
Mobile App Android Bible app: Japanese YouVersion Bibles
Mobile App Android Bible app: Japanese Bible General / Other
Mobile App Android Bible app: リビングバイブル Biblica
Mobile App iOS Bible app: Japanese YouVersion Bibles
Text / Printed Matter Bible Gateway scripture Bible Gateway
Text / Printed Matter Cartoon Gospel tract General / Other
Text / Printed Matter Children and youth resources One Hope
Text / Printed Matter Tools for faith conversations Cru
Text / Printed Matter Topical Scripture booklets and Bible studies World Missionary Press
Photo Source N-Y-C - Pixabay 
Profile Source Keith Carey 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.


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