Summer Impact Japan – Hub (Summer 2026)

Join with the Navigators in Japan as they seek to share the hope of Jesus with university students through BEST Club (Bible, English, Sports, and Travel). Japan is a country of beauty and brokenness — the second largest unreached people group in the world. Most Japanese have never known someone who follows Jesus, let alone read the Bible for themselves. “Summer friends” (that’s you!) who visit and share their lives and hearts with students have made a significant impact to help build momentum in BEST clubs throughout Japan. You can help build trust, friendship, and curiosity about the person of Jesus.

Matthew 9:36-38 tells us “When [Jesus] saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.’”

The Hub is sending TWO teams to Japan in 2026: one to Utsunomiya and one to Tokyo. When you apply, you will be considered for both trip destinations. If accepted, you’ll then be placed on a team and notified of your trip location once teams have been set.

In either location, you can expect to interact often with Japanese Navigator staff and volunteers, learning about the spread of the gospel in Japan. You will also spend lots of relational time with Japanese students — practicing English, playing sports, sharing meals, and perhaps traveling a bit around Japan. You’ll have opportunities to share your testimony and help to articulate the gospel to students. We’re looking for “summer friends” who will take initiative, have a learner’s heart, and a willingness to share life and Jesus with new friends in Japan!