Geography

Kanagawa is the southernmost prefecture of the Kanto district. The eastern area meets Tokyo Bay, the southern area hits Sagami Bay; the Miura Peninsula lies between the two. On the north are Tokyo, Tama River and the Tama Hills; to the west is Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectures with Hakone Volcano and the Tanzawa Mountain Terrain, standing at the southernmost point of the Kanto Mountains. Other than the mountainous areas found in the west, most of the land consists of tableland and hills. This hill country includes Yokohama and Kawasaki. As major construction continues in this area, the natural environment is disappearing. While the climate of the areas from the Sagami Bay to the Miura Peninsula is mild, the mountain areas suffer from cold temperatures and heavy rain.

Industry & Economy

Yokohama is the port city which opened its door to the outer world at the end of the Tokugawa era, and is the second largest city in the nation. The percent of people engaged in primary industry is the nation's third lowest behind Tokyo and Osaka. Agricultural and forestry industries, of course, are declining, but intensive farming methods such as nurseries and greenhouses are being effectively used. The backbone of economy consists of a variety of industries. Many are centered around the Keihin industrial district, which is gradually expanding toward the west and south.

Cultural Background

Kanagawa is the birthplace of Japan's cultural reform. Because of its international sea port and foreign influence, many progressive influences can be seen. On the other hand, there exists a strong local mentality due to the desire to be different from Tokyo. The people of the inner regions are still conservative and hold on to old traditions even though they have become part of Yokohama proper.

Religious Milieu

"Mountain Religion's" Oyama Afuri Shrine is famous as an ancient sacred place. Kamakura has its own share of religious history with Tsurugaoka Hachiman Shrine dating back to the 12th century. Many Buddhist temples were also built in Kamakura as a part of revival movements during the medieval period. The outdoor statue of Buddha (1252) is gigantic and impressive, and Hase Kannon dates back 500 years beyond that. The Kawasaki Taishi Shrine and Narita Fudo Shrine are two major shrines that people visit on New Year's Day. When missionaries first came to Yokohama, the people there were quite open to the gospel, already having been exposed to things international. Now churches and schools are located in the area.

The Mission

It would be advisable to more aggressively target the Yokohama and Shonan areas, taking full advantage of the relatively positive image Christianity has there. Events like "Harbor View of Christmas" show the fine cooperation of the churches in the prefecture. The newly established communities in the western part of Yokohama and the Sagamihara area should be good areas for ministry since they are free from old cultural and traditional events.