"Kanzo Uchimura and His Legacy" by the late Prof. Emeritus Dr. Mayeda Goro (Philosophical Studies of Japan, 1966) (Excerpt by Lily)
It is generally considered among theologians that Japan is, next to Moslem areas, the most difficult country for Christian mission. It is to some extent understandable that Christianity is not easily accepted by Mohammedans, because, apart from political and cultural problems, Jesus is considered as one of their prophets and many biblical doctrines have been incorporated into the Koran. But how about Japan? Since emerging from a state of national isolation which lasted about two hundred years, more than one century has passed, during which she has achieved rapid progress in social, economic and industrial modernization. However, the number of Christians in this country is still about 0.5% of the whole population of 90 million. Although Christianity has considerable influence upon the Japanese people in many ways and statistical figures alone are far from decisive, this small percentage raises the question whether many Japanese remain religiously indifferent or even primitive as regards spiritual life and whether Christianity has a future in this land. (........)
When this in mind, it should be clear why laity is so important for the Mukyokai. No professional clergyman, no institutionalized obligation. Its method of evangelization, if there is any, consists mainly in the explanation and propagation of the Bible. Mukyokai believers are eager readers of the scripture, although their approach is basically different from that of fundamentalism. (.....) Teaching and learning mainly on Sundays and writing and reading the magazines... there are the characteristics of the Mukyokai believers. Without great financial cost this can be done. Thus they are able to cover all classes of society, from high ranking officials and university professors to simple workers, farmers and fishermen. Many sick people are devout adherents.
(From "Mayeda Goro senshu 4 Kibo no Fukuin" Kyobunkan, 2008, p.343, 323)
