We believe "the land of the rising sun" shall be known as "the land of the rising SON!"   Among the world’s lowest birthrates and longest life expectancy, Japan's population rapidly ages. This results in enormous social and economic challenges, especially for the young Japanese who will carry the weight of Japan's future. Of the G7 nations, Japan is ranked highest for children who end their lives before graduating from high school. Elementary through high school students in Japan struggle the most with the suicide epidemic. Mounting academic pressure compels families to send children to cram schools in elementary school to prepare for junior high and high school entrance exams. A child's ranking in middle and high school may largely determine their success and future for the rest of their lives. "The nail that stands out gets hammered down" is a Japanese proverb alluding to the high conformity culture. In such a place where harmony and being inconspicuous are most valued, being different can lead to criticism and ostracism. School bullying can be especially painful and detrimental as a result. Furthermore, in a high shame culture where social judgment and fear of dishonor are strong motivators of public behavior, the insidious problem of child prostitution and human trafficking is especially challenging to prevent and address among at-risk youth and victims of sexual exploitation.  Because of spiritual strongholds, socio-cultural, linguistic and financial obstacles, Japan remains the 2nd largest unreached people group on earth, despite being completely open to Christian missionaries. *G7 nations: an informal group of the world's 7 largest and advanced economies, known for their high levels of industrial development and global influence *Unreached people group: a group of people distinguished by language or culture which is less than 2% Christian and is without the resources to effectively reach their own people with the gospel (Joshua Project)