THE SUNRISE AND THE HERMIT KINGDOMS by H. Kuniya

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Nov 4, 1909

THE SUNRISE AND THE HERMIT KINGDOMS

By H. Kuniya

JAPAN AND KOREA

From Buddhist to Adventist

FORMERLY I was a Buddhist. I am truly thankful that the Lord has brought me out of the darkness of heathenism into the marvelous light of the advent message.

The population of Japan is over forty-eight millions, with an annual increase of three hundred thousand. Japan is as densely populated as any country in the world. I, of course, think that there is no country more beautiful than my own.

1. EVANGELIST KUNIYA AND WIFE. 2. SANITARIUM, KOBE

The religions of Japan are Shintoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism. There are also many foreign religions in the country. Since so many forms of Christianity have been introduced into Japan, there is a tendency to unite many heathen ideas with Christianity. This makes it difficult for the people to understand the pure gospel of Jesus Christ.

OUR MISSIONARIES MAKE USE OF THE GOSPEL TENT IN JAPAN

I enjoy working in the country better than in the cities, because the country people are so simple-hearted and so anxious to listen to the truth. They are hungry for something that will satisfy them. Twenty years ago Christian teachers were stoned in Japan; but now the Lord is going before us, and in the country villages the people, like hungry fishes, crowd around us to hear the gospel. Of course all will not accept Christ, but we have found some honest ones, who are now rejoicing in the truth, and anxious to tell the good news to their friends.

Some time ago I was invited into the country to hold meetings. When I arrived, I was surprised to find a large Buddhist temple overflowing with people anxious to hear me. I asked the chief of the village if I might preach my religion in the temple, and he said, “Yes, and if the priests interfere, we will put them all out.” After the meeting I conversed with a priest, and he said, “You spoke the truth to-night, but I can not obey such a religion. I would soon lose my position.” There are about three hundred thousand temples in Japan, and more than this number of priests.

As the result of intemperance, all kinds of diseases are common. There are plenty of drug doctors in every city and village, and they make much money without curing the people. One poor old woman, with rheumatism, spent all her money on physicians, but was no better. My nephew gave her fomentations, and she was soon much improved. Her friend told her not to associate with him, or she would become a Christian, but she said, “I don’t care about that if I get well.” This shows the need of medical missionaries. Remember needy Japan in your prayers. H. KUNIYA.