There is a thick, multi-link chain binding the hearts of the Japanese people and hindering their reception of the gospel. The Japanese are a people whose sense of identity is derived from their religious beliefs, tradition and affluence.

Tradition says that kami, the deities, created the islands of Japan and that the emperor is directly descended from the gods. While this Shinto belief system gives the Japanese people a strong sense of uniqueness and superiority, it is also a central link in the chain that prevents them from accepting Christ.