Our focus is still on the "Comfort Women" issue in which women were used by the Japanese military in the 1930's and 40's. In the present day, prostitution near military bases and trafficking of women and children has become an issue.

 Pray for: The various agencies and organizations that are dealing with comfort women.

 Renewed faith that the Christian minority can be a prophetic voice in this increasingly secular society.

Lee-Takei, Sandra Japan Sandra Lee-Takei, (1/1/08 - 12/31/08) a member of Sycamore Church, United Church of Christ, El Cerrito, California, was appointed to serve a one-year term (with the possibility of an extension) with the Council on Cooperative Mission in Sendai, Japan. She is the assistant to the Director of Youth Ministries at the Emmaus Center.

Luzares, Casilda Japan English Literature Professor at Doshisha University

Mendsendiek, Martha Japan Teacher of Social Welfare at Doshisha University

Mensendiek, Jeffrey Japan Director, Gakusei (Student) Center, Sendai

Stories

Pray for Peace March 28, 2008 PEACE. The Inter-Religious Conference on Article Nine February 28, 2008 In Memory of Her October 5, 2007 Summer 2007 August 27, 2007 2006 In Review January 4, 2007 Hope out of a train accident March 28, 2006 Reconciliation is Joy March 28, 2006 Japanese women's lives October 7, 2005 Maintain Justice June 1, 2005 Continual dialogue February 1, 2005 The Bazaar Cafe February 1, 2005 Mission work in 2004 Hokkaido, Japan January 1, 2005 Love, our guiding light January 1, 2005

Doshisha University

Asian Rural Institute

Emmaus Center

Kobe College

Korean Christian Church in Japan

Miyagi Gakuin Women’s University

National Christian Council of Japan

Tohoku Gakuin University

United Church of Christ in Japan

Special Projects -- Giving Opportunities in Japan

Bazaar Cafe Buraku Liberation Center The Rural Leaders Training Program

Japan News

Death of Itoko Maeda, former missionary in Okinawa, Paraguay, Bolivia, and Brazil July 25, 2008 Asian Rural Institute graduate working in Bali, Indonesia April 25, 2008 E-mail exchanges around the work of the Asian Rural Institute (ARI) April 23, 2008 Japan - Buraku Liberation Center Celebrates 25 Years April 23, 2008 Resolution in Support of Japan's Article 9 and Peace in Asia and the World April 10, 2008 Greetings and Report from Asian Rural Institute February 12, 2008 Japan North-America Mission Forum Statement June 5, 2007 Statement protesting Prime Minister Abe`s comments on the "comfort women" May 7, 2007 Les and Sadie Lowrey return to Okinawa after 50 years March 28, 2007 Death of Vern Rossman, former missionary to Japan November 27, 2006 U.S. Military Presence in Asia: Study trip to Japan and Korea, January 8-19, 2007 October 3, 2006 NCC Japan opposition statement on War Shrine visits September 25, 2006 Death of William Mensendiek, Former Missionary in Japan March 9, 2006 Prayers and concern for Katrina victims from partners around the world September 15, 2005 Holy Peace Day message from Japan August 1, 2005