Anglican Communion News Service

Rikkyo University in Japan was founded by the American bishop Channing Moore Williams in 1874, since when it has upheld the importance of a Christian education. As part of the 125th Anniversary events, an exhibition of "The Bible and Japanese Culture" was held on the University campus in Tokyo.

One of the popular displays contained over 50 original versions of various translations of the Scriptures into Japanese, demonstrating the interwoven history of Japanese culture and Christianity. Exhibits included a complete 1837 version of St John's Gospel and a complete Bible published in 1891.

Another stand entitled "The Bible and Japanese Literature and Thought" showed the Bibles used by scholars and writers of modern literary works, including one read by the Nobel Prize winner, novelist Yasunari Kawabata.

In Japan, Christians account for no more that 2% out of a population of about 125 million. However, according to the Japanese Bible Association, more than 240,000 volumes annually have been sold of a new "Joint Translation" introduced in 1987. Such sales suggest that there is enormous interest in the Bible in Japan.

Item from: NSKK Newsletter