There are 100,064 people that live in Konan City and most of them have been to the largest Hotei Buddha statue in Japan. They will come on a daily basis and pray asking for wisdom and blessings. Konan City is a Buddhist strong hold in Japan, but the statue is nothing more than a pile of rock. They are praying to a god that cannot save. Ro. 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the Gospel for it is the power of God unto Salvation to everyone that believeth! The Gospel is the only hope for the people of this city! I ask that you would pray that God would send proclaimers of the Gospel to Konan City, and that the name of Christ would rise in Japan!

Kani city is located in the Gifu Prefecture and has an estimated population of 99,318. Athens, GA (Home of the Bull Dogs) is 3x larger in area, but has close to the same amount of people. Hopefully that gives you a better idea of how dense the population is in Kani. The town of Kani was formed in 1955 by a merger of 7 towns and villages, and later gained its city status in April 1, 1982.

Kani City is located in the “heart” of Japan, in the south part of Gifu Prefecture. It is a city formed on tradition and history, with abundant greenery and a rich natural environment. The hill situated in the east part of the city is famous for being the cradle of Shino Pottery. The central part is famous for being the place where the great General Mitsuhide Aketi was born and for the ruins of Akechi Castle.

Many Buddhist and Shinto Shrines are located throughout the city. Every time I see a picture of one, it reminds me of Is. 45:20 “…they have no knowledge that set up the wood of their graven image, and pray unto a god that cannot save”

Imizu City 射水市 is located approximately in the center of Toyama Prefecture, between the two adjacent cities of Toyama and Takaoka. There are 94,649 people that inhabit this vital port city next to the Sea of Japan, and only one Baptist Church.

Mayor Motoshi Natsuno

“Imizu City is rich in agricultural produce, fish and seafood, and with its port, JR line stations, and access to expressways, it occupies a key position in both sea and land transport networks, making it a wonderful city with great potential for the future.”

I have found two churches in Imizu city. Only one of those is Baptist. With 94,649 people, that’s a big job for one Baptist Church. Praise the Lord that there is at least one church preaching the gospel to this key city. This place is filled with farmers and fishermen that have never heard the Gospel! Matt. 4:19 And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. Let’s pray that the Name of Christ would rise in the city of Imizu! Would you pray, asking God what your part might be in reaching this city?

If you would like more information on the city of Imizu, you can visit their website at www.city.imizu.toyama.jp or Life in Imizu.