By: Chef Miso
During my most recent visit to Japan for mission trip and mobilization purposes, I had the opportunity to reconnect with a Japanese family I had not seen in about nine months. Spending time with them again reminded me of an important lesson I continue learning through ministry among Japanese people: relationships and belonging often open doors that programs and presentations cannot.
I originally met this family during their two-year stay in America. Over time, a genuine friendship developed through shared meals, conversations, ministry events, and simply doing life together. Near the end of their stay in the United States, they moved out of their rental home before returning to Japan. After traveling around America for a month, they still needed a place to stay for two weeks before their departure.
My coworker and I had extra space in our ministry house, so we invited them to stay with us. With children involved and many transition details to navigate, they were deeply grateful to have a safe and welcoming place during a stressful season. What seemed like a simple act of hospitality became a meaningful turning point in our friendship.
At the time, they told us, “If you ever come to Japan, you have a place to stay.”
Nine months later, I found myself in Japan reconnecting with many friends and ministry contacts from their time in America. After first seeing this family at a local reunion gathering, I later spent several days visiting them in their hometown. Just as they had promised, they warmly welcomed me into their home.
Being invited into a Japanese home is not something I take lightly. Homes in Japan are often considered very personal spaces, so this invitation reflected the depth of trust and friendship that had formed over time. In many ways, we had become like extended family to one another.
It was a joy to share meals together again, spend time with their children, and catch up on life. During my visit, the couple also shared about a new business venture involving Japanese cosmetics. They showed me their website, asked for feedback, and valued my opinion regarding how it might connect with people overseas. I was encouraged not only by their excitement, but also by the openness and trust that had developed through our friendship.
Another encouraging moment was meeting the husband’s mother, who is a Christian believer. She had already heard about me before my arrival and expressed gratitude for the way my coworker and I had cared for her son and his family while they were living in America. Despite some language barriers, our conversation was warm and mutually encouraging.
Throughout my visit, the family asked questions about the churches I was visiting, the people I was meeting with, and the ministry taking place in Japan. These conversations may seem simple, but genuine friendship often creates openness that cannot be forced.
Leviticus 19:33–34 reminds God’s people to care for the foreigner and sojourner with compassion and love. Jesus also modeled a life marked by humility, service, and hospitality toward others. One thing I continue appreciating about Japanese culture is the strong value placed on thoughtfulness, service, and relationships. In many ways, acts of care and hospitality deeply resonate with the example Jesus gave to His followers.
One of the things I continue learning through Japanese ministry is that belonging frequently comes before belief. Before many people are willing to seriously consider the Gospel, they first need to experience authentic care, trust, and community. Hospitality becomes more than kindness; it becomes part of our witness.
I thank the Lord for friendships like these and for the opportunity to reconnect across cultures, languages, and countries. Sometimes ministry grows slowly and quietly through ordinary moments — sharing meals, opening homes, and simply being present with people. Yet God often uses those ordinary moments to build lasting bridges for the Gospel.