Every year we find articles or blog posts discussing the worldwide cost of living. Every year Japan cities usually top the list. This year there were no exceptions. Tokyo remains at the top of most lists as the most expensive city in the world. According to Mercer’s 2011 Report Tokyo is number 2 with Nagoya ranked 11th. Where was New York City? It was 32nd on the list and considered the most expensive city in the United States.

Really these reports don’t tell a new tale. Japan is an expensive place to live and do ministry. We ask that you continue to pray that we would be good stewards of our funding and for the American Church to continue to be generous in reaching the lost around the World, whether in poor or rich countries.

The Economist: The Expense of Japan
Mercer’s 2011 Cost of Living survey highlights – Global
Business Week: “Which City in the World Has $24 Movie Tickets?”

Susan Fikse of By Faith magazine recently interviewed Makoto Fujimura. Fujimura san is a world renowned Japanese artist who resides in New York.  He is a Christian which makes him unique as an artist and being Japanese.  The article was insightful as Fujimura san reflects on his upcoming trip to devastated areas in Japan.  In 2009 he completed a book entitled, Refractions: a journey of art, faith and culture, which looks like a great read.  For more information click the link above for the article or the link below to go to his personal/business website.

Fujimura san website

On occasion we find articles or are given articles to read about Japan. This special report done by The Economist is well done and provides unique insight into modern day Japan. The report is 14 pages and well worth the read. (To read all parts scroll down and on the right under the subheading “In this special report” there are links to the additional articles within the report.)

A friend sent us a link to this synopsis of Dr. Howard Griffith’s time teaching in Japan this past summer. Dr. Giffith is currently a professor at Reformed Theological Seminary.   This is a great report to see a perspective on the ministry currently occurring in Japan.

Enjoy the read!