Japanese people love Christmas themes, even though few celebrate the day itself. December 25th is a regular working day across the country, so many people like to celebrate throughout the month. Christmas decorations are everywhere, and Japanese are very curious about and love Christmas, but don’t understand the true meaning of it.  Because of their curiosity, this is a good time to talk about Jesus and what Christmas means. On this trip you will help Will and Elizabeth host a big Christmas party. One day will be spent preparing snack bags, cookie decorating, etc for the event, with the party in the afternoon/evening. (The team will be responsible for bringing some supplies from the U.S.) The team will invite party attendees to hang out again and go to local Christmas markets.

Other activities include 5-minute English (talking to people on the street about Christmas), caroling (you don’t have to sing well), prayer walking, and handing out items to promote the Hikari Project.

Trip members must be prepared to walk 5 to 10 miles per day and climb stairs; be okay in large crowds and crushes of people. In December daytime temps will be between 50 to 60 degrees, nighttime between 30 to 40 degrees with high humidity, so it will feel colder than the actual temperature. Also, know that language may be a barrier.

Group pre-trip orientation sessions and some materials prep are required before this trip.