JAPAN
Japan Seahorses
Japan Ministry 1996-Current
Seahorse Soccer took it’s first trip to Japan in back in 1996 to work with Jody & Lois Kubo with Campus Crusade for Christ (CRU). After three years of partnership, it seemed that the platform of matches, clinics & speaking English was an effective one. Soccer was rising in popularity in Japan and became the #2 sport behind baseball, thereby providing opportunities throughout the nation. In 2002, when the World Cup of soccer was being hosted by Japan & Korea, a group of Japanese pastors asked Seahorse Soccer to partner in central & northern Japan. That would lead to 22 years of consecutive partnership in both Osaka and Iwata areas. It also led to us hosting Japanese university teams here in LA for what are called, “Reverse Tours”. Paul Gizzi, who was born & raised in Japan, also led trips to provide soccer camps for youth on a US military base in southern Japan for 12 years. Most of the trips have been “open” or “select” teams, but we also had the privilege of taking Biola University men’s & women’s teams in 2000, 2004, 2008, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2019 & 2023.
One of the biggest blessings in our Japan ministry was to see the startup of the Japan Seahorse Youth Academy by Masa & Chie Yokota. Now each year Seahorse teams that visit Japan, partner in Osaka with Masa & Chie to provide support & connectivity with our sister ministry across the sea. Through the years, we have also been able to assist the Japan Seahorse ministry by providing short-term opportunities for college age students to partner for 1-3 months to coach soccer and teach English. In addition to presenting the Good News of Jesus Christ, we have found that one of the most powerful ministries has been the impact of encouraging the believers there. In a country where Buddhism is mostly a cultural religion, there is an openness to the joy that a true relationship with Jesus brings.
Japan is a very beautiful country with a culture of polite and helpful people. Many of over 500 athletes that have traveled to Japan on a Seahorse trip reflect on that experience as one of the highlights of their life. It is my prayer that you will pray for the people of Japan. We also appreciate your support through the years & trust you will continue to invest in the continuing efforts through financial support and prayer.
