Yes, good question. Let me see. Perhaps take a look at this video to see how Mary and Joanna, two of our mid-term staff, face the ups and downs of life in Japan with great sensitivity and grace. Click here for video

Probably not. Many Americans who are interested in such "Pop Culture" are often disappointed upon coming to Japan. Most university students here aren't interested in connecting with you on that level. They are more interested in getting to know each other. Usually being acquainted with such areas of Japanese culture will actually cause more misunderstandings than real insight to the culture.

None. If you are current on your vaccinations in the US you are covered.

In the BEST (or 'Guy's') club, many students are anticipating your arrival. They are looking forward to meeting you and hanging out with you, but often they will be shy. You will likely need to take initiative in friendships. Most of the students want to meet you and become friends. Your local staff will help you with activities that you can do together in your area, but some common examples are eating dinner, singing karaoke, drinking coffee, and playing sports. As you meet new students, just be yourself, take steps of faith toward the Japanese, and trust God.

Each local ministry in Japan is a little different; therefore, depending on your location, your day to day activities may look different. In general, a day will include spending personal time with God in the Word and in prayer, staff training, meeting with students, and large group activities. Meeting with students may include meeting one on one or in small groups. During this time, you may practice English, sing karaoke, talk about the Bible, or eat dinner. Relating naturally is a strong goal. Large group activities include sports times, English lessons, or Bible studies. Again, every ministry is slightly different and you will receive more specifics when you arrive on campus.

The answer to this question depends on what you are used to eating. In general, some of the food may be quite different. Rice is eaten at most, if not all, meals, and seafood is quite common. While these foods are common, Western style food is also common. Experiencing Japanese food is a good experience. While you may not like everything you eat, it will likely be healthy for you. Japanese food is a large part of Japanese culture and so trying these new foods communicates a desire to understand your new friends.

Overall, Japan is a very safe society. Crime rates are lower than the US. However, Japan does experience earthquakes, which are not a comfortable idea for anyone. The truth is that everywhere you go has risk. We do everything that we can in order to create a safe environment for ministry, yet there are things that remain outside of our control. In those areas, we choose to trust God.

The cost of living in Japan is higher than the cost of living in some other places. The cost of the program includes the orientation conference and the final retreat held at the Yoyogi Olympic Center. The cost of your flight, your rent and utilities, your meals, your ministry activities, your fund-raising expenses, and your pre-field training is all included in the program expenses. No Navigator staff financially benefits from the SIJ money-we seek to keep the expenses as low as possible.

Assignments regarding location and team members will be based upon the needs of the local ministries, available housing and staff shepherding resources in each area.

It's not recommended given the nature of the program. Those with a full summer to invest will make the most impact and experience God's work in Japan the deepest. Last year one member planned to participate partially, but upon arriving in Japan, he realized what he would miss if he did leave early. Needless to say, at personal expense to himself, he changed his ticket and spent the rest of the summer with his team.