Judaism & Christianity

Judaism is, for the most part, a gaikokujin religion in Japan. Gaikokujin means ‘foreigner’ or literally ‘outside country person’ and refers to all non-Asian, non-black foreigners. It is estimated that there are about 600 non-military, Japanese Jews, but for the most part, it is practiced by Americans and Europeans.

Christianity first came to Japan in 1549, only to be made obsolete one hundred years later. Only in the rural area around Nagasaki did it survive until its revival in the late 1800s. From there, it has spread slowly. Today, it is estimated that there are about 1.4 million practicing Christians in Japan. Christianity is commonly confused with Judaism by many Japanese, or assumed to be two halves of a whole.

Japanese culture has begun to absorb some Christian traditions. A few of these include: diamond engagement rings, white wedding dresses, Valentine’s Day, and Christmas.