Geography

Kumamoto is located in the central area of Kyushu, touching Fukuoka, Oita, Miyazaki, and Kagoshima prefectures. The west faces the Sea of Ariake, Shimabara Bay, and the Sea of Yatsushiro. The Kyushu Mountain Chain, with the highest peaks on the island, runs through the southern region. In the north are the Tsukuhi mountains. The active volcano, Mt. Aso with its crater basin about 130 km. in circumference, is the largest of its kind in the world. The Udo Peninsula projects into the ocean where the Amakusa Islands are scattered. The area around Kumamoto City experiences drastic temperature variations, but the overall climate is mild and warm.

Industry & Economy

The people of Kumamoto are dependent on agriculture, livestock, and forest industries. Due to vast cultivated fields, agriculture is ranked seventh in the nation and second in Kyushu, following Kagoshima. A wide variety of crops including rice, barley, vegetables and fruits, is grown here. Kumamoto is th top producer of watermelons and other melons. It is the top producer of milk in Kyushu, with farms centering around Mt. Aso and Kumamoto City. Heavy industry includes chemical and paper/pulp. Regrettably, Minamata Disease was a by-product of the heavy industry and has caused nationwide attention as one of the country's biggest environmental problems.

Cultural Background

Generally speaking, the people of Kyushu are conservative and follow traditions; the people of Kumamoto are known to be even more so. They are noted for being genuine, single minded, liking an argument, conservative yet at times defiant. The largest percentage in the nation feel that Kumamoto is a good place to live.

Religious Milieu

Kumamoto people tend to be religiously oriented, and a large number identify themselves as Buddhists. The famous temples and shrines found here include the Aso Shrine predating the Nara era, and the Kikuchi and Kato Shrines, both dedicated to the worship of ancient warriors. Although the number of Kirishitan grew when the prefecture was ruled by Lord Yukinaga Konishi, his successor, Lord Kiyomasa Kato, suppressed Christianity. Many secret Kirishitan were believed to live in Amakusa. The Protestant ministry began when Captain L.L. Janes was asked to establish a school at Kumamoto. His Bible study classes at the school were especially effective.

The Mission

In 1876 at Mt. Hanaoka in the city of Kumamoto, ten students at the Kumamoto Western School signed a pledge of commitment under the leadership of Mr. Janes. The group became known as the Kumamoto Band. The Yokohama, Sapporo, and Kumamoto Bands are considered three main streams of Japanese Protestantism. Can we hope fore new streams for Christ in our day?