The Sambika (hymnal) was published in 1954 and the Sambika 21 in 1997. These hymnals contain many of the high-church worship songs. The Seika was first published in 1958 and was recently updated as the New Seika. It includes more praise songs, as well as some newer Japanese hymns. In addition to these two standard hymnals, many praise and worship books are being published, with a growing number of original praise songs being written by Japanese.
Outside the church, Christian music has opened up two doors of opportunity. One is through the classics with Bach; the other is centered in a Black Gospel music boom. Classical music of the church, such as Handel’s Messiah and Beethoven’s Ninth Symhony, has always been popular in Japan, but recently there has been an increased interest in Bach and his Christian message. Also the popularity of Black Gospel music has birthed gospel choirs all over Japan. The Halleluja Gospel Family is a growing network of about 20 gospel choirs with over 500 members (80% non-Christian).
Sep 20: Pray for Christian musicians who serve as soloists and instrumentalists, and for the many groups, choirs, bands and orchestras. Pray that many more will dedicate themselves to music ministries. The Evangelium Cantrai serves churches through concerts they conduct throughout the country. They also seek to introduce biblically-based music in the churches.
Sep 21: The Euodia Ensemble seeks to spread the sweet aroma of Christ through their music ministry. Recording uses music as a tool for evangelism by sponsoring concerts, music seminars, music production and sales.
Sep 22: Tokyo Christian Choir is a Christian group that receives training and performs for special concerts, such as presentations of The Messiah at Christmas.
Sep 23: Word of Life Press Ministries’ Life Productions diision produces recordings by Japanese Christian musicians, administers the Living Praise song book and sponsers evangelistic concerts.
Sep 24: Pray for the many Japanese studying classical Christian music, and for those who are learning Black Gospel from Christian teachers. Pray that their eyes will be opened.
Sep 25: The purpose of Christians in the Arts Network (CAN) is to encourage, connect, equip and mobilize musicians (and artists of all genres) to be creative leaders of a moement turning people to the worship of Jesus Christ in Japan and beyond. CAN’s projects include an annual Worship Seminar, “Alleluia Seminars” for local churches and Cristian Leadership Training Center.
*All information and prayer requests taken from “Operation Japan -Prayer Guide- Third Edition” -Japan Evangelical Missionary Association, 2005. To purchase a copy of “Operation Japan” book or the Interactive CD version, go to: http://www.jema.org/joomla15/index.php?option=com_banners&task=click&bid=10.