In the years reigned by King Akihito, many things happened in past 20 years. Below are records of some of the events. It wouldn't bring us anywhere, if we ignored the social and practical issues in Japan while we pray for them. The influence of spiritual warfare do creep in real life. Be aware, soldiers!
Heisei 平成(1989-present)
The most rapid economic growth spurts in Japanese history was in 1989. With a strong yen and a favorable exchange rate with the American Dollar, Tokyoproperty values had a 60% increased within the year. However the "Bubble Economy" burst in 1991.
Then, Japan experienced more than a decade of price deflation and largely stagnant GDP. Japan's banks struggled to resolve their bad debts and companies in other sectors struggled to restructure.
1995, large earthquake struck Kobe with no foreshock, taken away 6,424 lives, and cost $200 billion USD in damage. Later the incident was listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the "costliest natural disaster to befall any one country." The tragic also had caused the rise of NGOs.
Sarin Gas Attack on the Tokyo Subway
In the same year, Aum Shinrikyo attacked the Tokyo subway system with sarin gas terrorist, killing twelve people, severely injuring fifty and causing temporary vision problems for nearly a thousand others. This was the most serious attack to occur in Japan since the end of the Second World War.
On October 23, 2004, the Heisei 16 Niigata Prefecture Earthquakes rocked the Hokuriku region, killing 52 and injuring hundreds. As late as November 3, the 39th fatality attributable to the earthquakes occurred as perceptible aftershocks continued. Over 3,000 injuries were reported in Niigata Prefecture. Over one hundred thousand people fled their homes. The earthquakes caused houses to collapse in Ojiya and damaged thousands in the area.
2006, rise of children suicide raised concern in Japan.
Challenges: Identify the spiritual and physical needs in Japan at the moment. What can we do? What God impressed in you for what you should do?
1 comment:
This is very heart provoking. I shall take these challenges to heart and prayer.
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