Geography

Hokkaido in the northeast corner of Japan is the largest of all the prefectures. It is the second largest island, almost twice the size of Kyushu. It is about the size of Switzerland and Denmark combined. The distance from north to south and east to west is about equal, 450 kilometers. The island has many volcanic plateaus, and forests thrive on the mountain slopes.

Industry & Economy

Hokhaido leads or is in the upper ranks of all the prefectures in most aspects of agriculture, forestry, fishing and mining. In recent years, due to the energy revolution and changing industrial needs, Hokkaido has been facing a slowing economy. Many mines have closed down and basic industries like steel, shipbuilding, fisheries and ranching are suffering. However, with its many natural resources and wide open spaces many of these problems can be overcome.

Cultural Background

The Ainu people, known to ancient Japan as the Ezo, are believed to have been located throughout Japan's islands during the Jomon era. They are also believed to share the same ancestry as the Japanese. The relationship between them, and how separate societies were established is uncertain. In the Kamakura era, many Japanese migrated to Hokkaido. In the Edo era, the Matsumae feudal clan came to power, monopolized the trading rights, and controlled the southern part of the island. The whole island was later taken under the direct control of the Edo Shogunate as Japan's territory. During the Meiji era Hokkaido became a prefecture, and since World War II comprehensive plans have helped to develop the area.

Religious Milieu

In many ways Hokhaido is a fertile receptor for the gospel. In contrast to the rest of Japan, the culture is not tied to a long conservative history. Its ranching and farming industries, along with its spaciousness and recent immigrant history have made it more receptive to Western influence. On the other hand, the strong influence of past nationalistic Shintoism is felt through the Hokkaido Shrine. Here the people find a unifying force and help in time of need. Revival of Shinto festivals can be seen throughout the island.

The Mission

During the Edo era, many believers fled persecution, only to be captured at the Matsumae Peninsula and put to death as martyrs. In 1861, shortly after the opening of seaports, an Orthodox Russian priest, Nicolai, Ianded at Hakodate. Christianity was still prohibited in Japan at the time, so he spent his time studying the country. In 1869, he established his ministry headquarters in Tokyo, but expanded his work to Hokkaido and Tohoku. Dr. William Clark's work has also had a great Christian influence in Hokkaido. His famous motto, "Boys, be ambitious for Christ!" has inspired countless numbers of youths. Thanks to many postwar foreign missionaries, a solid foundation for the gospel has been established.