Oita City

Stone Buddha Statue

Oita City (OH-ee-tah), Japan, is on the north east coast of Kyushu Island facing the Seto Inland Sea that divides Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu Islands. It is the prefectural (similar to a state) capital and is blessed with a mild climate, bountiful fruit and fish, as well as access to the famous hot springs of nearby Beppu. .

Oita City was the center of Christian propagation in Japan during the Edo period. Otomo Sorin a famous Christian feudal lord, first introduced western culture to the residents of Oita. The city claims that it was in Funai area of Oita that the first western style hospital was built and the first Japanese choir was formed

Known for its hospitality and claim to the origin of western culture in Japan, Oita was ranked by a non-profit organization as the number one city in Japan for raising children. “In this age when a person’s morals and values are as important as material wealth, Oita seeks to promote sustained city development while maintaining harmony between “People and People,” and “People and Nature.”

In order to maintain this harmony, the citizens of Oita make the following pledge. We, the citizens of Oita, have unbounded love for and pride in this city, and in order to better the development of our town, we hereby pledge the following:1. To love nature, and to make our city a green one.
2. To feel joy in working, and to make our city full of energy.
3. To support each other, and to provide for the welfare of the city. 4. To love our home town, and to make our city warm and hospitable. 5. To open our eyes to the world, and to create a cultural city of the future.

In Oita Prefecture Buddhism is thought to have gained a foothold in Japan over 1300 years ago. Numerous stone Buddha statues are carved into cliffs and rock formations throughout the prefecture. Over 80% of all the stone Buddhas in Japan can be found here.

Prayer request starters:

•   Pray for laborers to sow the seeds of the gospel in Oita and that there will be an abundant harvest of souls.
•   Pray that the people of Oita will see the futility of worshiping nature, their ancestors, and the many Buddhist idols around them and turn to Christ.
•   Ask God to open their eyes to the need of a relationship with Christ and that they will boldly pledge their allegiance to Jesus as their Lord!