In 1603, after decades of civil warfare, the Tokugawa shogunate (a military-led, dynastic government) ushered in a long period of relative political stability and isolation from foreign influence. For more than two centuries this policy enabled Japan to enjoy a flowering of its indigenous culture. Japan opened its ports after signing the Treaty of Kanagawa with the US in 1854 and began to intensively modernize and industrialize. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Japan became a regional power that was able to defeat the forces of both China and Russia. It occupied Korea, Formosa (Taiwan), and southern Sakhalin Island. In 1931-32 Japan occupied Manchuria, and in 1937 it launched a full-scale invasion of China. Japan attacked US forces in 1941 - triggering America's entry into World War II - and soon occupied much of East and Southeast Asia. After its defeat in World War II, Japan recovered to become an economic power and a staunch ally of the US. While the emperor retains his throne as a symbol of national unity, elected politicians hold actual decisionmaking power. The economy experienced a major slowdown starting in the 1990s following three decades of unprecedented growth, but Japan still remains a major economic power, both in Asia and globally. In January 2009, Japan assumed a nonpermanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2009-10 term. (CIA)

1. The lack of an ultimate purpose of life among youth are causing anxiety and nervousness, which is exhibited through lethargy, depression, locking themselves in their bedrooms, and ultimately committing suicide.

2. Signs of the fall of Christian faith is apparent seen in the decrease of the number of Christians, the aging of pastors and believers, and more youth leaving the church.

3. Christian been an extremely small minority in the Japanese society, attributing to less than 1% of population, Christian youths are dwarfed by secularism and many end up being secularized.

4. There is an increase of new religions based on materialism and rationalism and youths are drawn to other religions. Antagonism and apathy is also growing towards Christianity due to the influence of polytheism and atheism in society.

5. Sexual immorality, violent tendency, and copycat crimes influenced by Internet or games is increasing among youths.

1. A lack of communication in families due to individualism, and the failure to succeed faith is causing disconnection between generations. Let us pray that conflicts and disconnection between generations can be solved

2. The passion for evangelism need to be awaken and grown through the believers realizing again the great commission of preaching the gospel. Let us pray for Christians to grab hold of the Christian worldview and fight against polytheism and atheism.

3. Let us pray for the Christian culture to expand and develop greatly, and for the Christian school that has lost its faith to restore its original commission in educating students the tradition of the gospel.

4. Let us pray for churches to cast visions to the youths through biblical teaching, and to set the great commission in the hearts of Christians once again.