Geography

Miyazaki is located in the southeastern region of Kyushu. In the north is Oita at the Kyushu mountain range, in the west Kumamoto, and in the southwest Kagoshima at Mt. Kirishima and the neck of the Osumi Peninsula. On the east facing the Sea of Hyuga is a 100-kilometer stretch of monotonous shoreline. The distance from north to south is 170 kilometers, and from east to west is 70 kilometers. The Miyazaki Plain is located around the middle of the shoreline. Running through the plain is the Oyodo River whose upstream areas include the Miyakonojo and Kobayashi Basins. Weather is generally warm with heavy rainfall. There is never snow on the plains, but occasional torrential rains and typhoons during the rainy season can cause much damage.

Industry & Economy

The number of agricultural workers is decreasing, but they still make up over half of the labor force. Rice and barley are not very productive crops, but animal husbandry is quite strong. Volcanic ash covering the vast flat land areas and the rock structure hinder grain production. High yielding products include bell peppers (highest in the nation), white potatoes (third), Japanese radishes, and taro potatoes. The fishing industry does well in spite of its small fishing area. The heavy and manufacturing industries are underdeveloped due to geographical factors.

Cultural Background

More than 2,000 ancient burial mounds, and many ancient cultural relics have been unearthed in Miyazaki prefecture. Takachiho is the origin of the birth-myth of the nation. With this cultural background it is easy to see why the people of Miyazaki place high value on tradition and a sense of belonging to the community. This all-encompassing force in turn probably puts a thirst in many to be more positive and open to the outside.

Religious Milieu

An awareness survey reveals that the people have a strong interest in religious issues. There are many shrines with mythological backgrounds like Udo Shrine, Miyazaki Shrine and Takachiho Shrine. The acceptance of Christianity by the Otomo clan of Bungo sparked the spread of Catholicism, and it reached Hyuga where many became Kirishitan. Both Catholic and Protestant missionary efforts began at the end of the Meiji era. The Protestants started one year earlier than the Catholics, and were able to start churches in the major cities in just ten years.

The Mission

In Miyazaki, as well as each prefecture, our churches are blessed because of the sacrifices and labor of our Christian forerunners. Two towns (Mimata and Kunitomi) with growing populations of over 20,000 still do not have any churches. Is it possible for some of the 63 churches in this prefecture to take on the challenge to start a church in these towns? Let's claim a vision from God and reach out to the areas around us.