About the Event:

Japan is a nation with a long history, deep in tradition and culture, having much to teach us. Both native and visitor can learn much from the ancient practices of "Bushido" and "Shinto," as well as more recent additions of Buddhism and other modern developments.

Although generally recognized as a "Buddhist" country, Japan has a surprisingly deep history and relationship with both Christianity and Judaism. If one looks closely, one can also see interesting comparisons and similarities between the Shinto and Buddhist traditions of Japan, the mythology of ancient Japan that pre-dates the written record, and traditions from other parts of the world, such as Judaism and Christianity.

This event will explore the history of religions in Japan, with speakers from several different cultural, religious and historical backgrounds offering their insights. The organizers of the event are participants in a small movement of individuals hoping for a full restoration of original Christianity, and believe that Restoration is underway in our time. The event will be held on Saturday and Sunday, October 3 and 4, 2020. This was scheduled to coincide with the commencement of the biblical Jewish Feast and Celebration known as Sukkot, or Feast of Tabernacles. This Feast is to celebrate the harvest, and to illustrate the dependence of Israel, now scattered across the world, on God. We feel the date is significant as followers of a great many traditions and beliefs will come together to share their wisdom on that day. No matter whether one is Christian or Buddhist, Japanese or Canadian, we all have something we can teach each other, and learn from each other as well. We hope this conference is a true international cultural exchange opportunity.

Although numbers of "Restoration Movement" believers in Asia are small, we feel it is of vital importance to introduce the movement in this region at this time. Through communion and exchange between believers in this movement, and religious leaders of other faiths, we hope to be able to spread the message that this Restoration is underway, and that many great and important truths must be learned and shared in the coming days.

The Event will consist of four sessions (all times noted are Japan local time), two on Saturday, in Japanese and English, featuring musical numbers and interesting presentations; one early Sunday morning mostly for those familiar with the Restoration Movement, provided in English only; and a Main or Keynote session on Sunday morning, with music, speakers and cultural presentations.

Various presentations by representatives of other faiths and historical experts, as you learn of Japanese and Asian history, records, burial sites, temples and shrines, and how on earth Christianity and Judaism came to be so prevalent in early Asia and Japan, and what happened to followers. Presenters will also address topics such as the history of religion in Japan, Buddhist Tradition, Shinto, and more. The primary purpose of this session is to provide historical and cultural background for the session which will take place on Sunday.

Reports by representatives of local Restoration fellowships from several Asian countries will be given, along with any general announcements or other business that may need to be transacted.

This session will conclude the conference with messages of hope and unification for believers of all faiths, and will feature presentations by Denver Snuffer, Jr., an eloquent speaker well-versed in the history of Christianity and comparative religions, and Arimasa Kubo, a Japanese expert on religious history in Japan and the influences of ancient Christianity there.