The main religions in Japan are Buddhism and Shinto. However, since the Portuguese arrived in the land of the rising sun, some 600 years ago, Christianity has slowly been growing in Japan, despite having been banned throughout the Edo periode (app. 1600-1863). In Denmark, Christianity is the main religion, but very few actually practices it. Comepletely different are the Japanese Christians, who seem very devoted and extreme, perhaps because of the fact that they are a minority here. In my High School class. there was one boy who was devoted Christian. In English class, he even stood up in front of everybody and told us that his dream for the future was to become a missionary and spread the word of Christ…fair enough!
One thing is Christianity being a minority, another is the minorities within Christianity. My reason for writing this blog is a resent visit I had at my home here in Fukuoka. About a week after moving in, I suddenly had a visitor at my door. Having already had the gas, water and electric supply checked, I pondered over whom it might be. To my astonishment, it was none other than the Jehova’s Witnessess. I wonder, how far off the end of the world does one have to run to escape those sons of b**ches?
Okay, a bit harsh maybe, but mainly that’s how I see Jehova’s Witnessess – a nuisance that disturbs my quiet Sunday rest. However, out respect for my felow humans (however religiously deranged they may be), I greeted them at the door and heard what they had to say. Well prepared, they brought with them a tiny book that had information written in several languages – including Danish! I pretended to read, and then quietly told them off by telling the truth; I’m Jewish. Despite not being religious, if I had to plead myself to a “religious” way of life, it would be the Jewish way, having been raised with the culture and history of it.
So, I explained them about Denmark, told them I was Jewish, and off they went. Very Japanese of course, they bowed, said thank you, and then gently closed the door after them. As human beings they were quite normal and polite, nothing to say there. As Japanese, they astonished me!
Not to say that Japanese are not human, but they certainly are one of a kind. Of course it may have been the “Jehova’s Witness” part in “Japanese middle-aged Jehova’s Witness” that gave them the will to come back, TODAY, with some more information for me! Apparently they remembered me, and had done some research on the internet, and found an article, IN DANISH, about a jewish woman who had taken her religion up to consideration and then chosen to become a Jehova’s Witness. The lady (at my door) had been so kind as to print it out so that I could read it. Is it Japanese efficiency or the will of Jehova, I don’t know, but no matter what I suddenly feel like I’m in their spotlight!
However, it’s kind of cute though, that they think they might be able to “convert” me; if they knew the kind of devil I am they’d be begging the Rabbi to take me back ;D
Anyhow, this whole update is just me finding it funny how no matter where you seem to run, there’s always a Jehova’s Witness there to stop you and ask “have you tried running with Jesus?”. Religion is a mysterious thing, and the Japanese seem to be rather skilled at making it even more mysterious…
well. watch for yourself!
Over’n’out
– Miriam
In My Japan 