Burakumin in Japan

The Burakumin have only been reported in Japan
Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge

Introduction / History

The Burakumin descendended as part of the outcasts from Japan's feudal system. The name Burakumin means "hamlet people." During Japan's feudal days the Burakumin were placed into two groups; the eta "defiled ones/filthy commoners" or the hinin "non-humans." The eta held jobs which revolved around death. Shinto/Buddhist religions identify death with defilement; therefore, the Burakumin were identified as defiled. The second hinin group included ex-convicts, prostitutes, beggers, and low-level entertainers. The group was identifited as the lowest of the low in society.

In the early 18th century the Burakumin were given several social rules about what they could wear, where they could go, and how long they could be out. In 1871 the "Emancipation Act" was passed that abolished the feudal system, but no laws were passed to end the discrimination against the Burakumin. In the 1900s several groups formed to fight for Burakumin rights.


What Are Their Lives Like?

Today many Burakumin have assimilated into Japanese culture; however, there are still around 4,000- 6,000 Burakumin communities (depending on which source you use). The total population in these communities is around 1-3 million people. The settlements are located in mainly rural areas. The Burakumin face some discrimination in marriage and employment. The discrimination is mostly seen in the western areas of Japan.


The Burakumin, or "hamlet people," descended as outcasts from Japan's feudal system. This social group was the lowest of the low.
What Are Their Beliefs?

The Burakumin trained their own Buddhist and Shinto priest and also produced unauthorized practitioners of both religions and other folk religions. The Burakumin used diviners and ceremonial performers. Early Christian missionaries were drawn to the Burakumin because of their evident needs and persecution. During this time some became followers of Christ.


Prayer Points

Pray that the Burakumin would find their identity in Christ.
Pray for a church planting movement among the Burakumin communities.
Pray for Japanese hearts to change so that discrimination toward the Burakumin would be eliminated.


Scripture Prayers for the Burakumin in Japan.


References

http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/84894/burakumin
http://goo.gl/iFRF4
http://goo.gl/mZSeP
http://goo.gl/BpG7e
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burakumin


Profile Source:   Rachel Routt  

People Name General Burakumin
People Name in Country Burakumin
Pronunciation boo-RAH-koo-min
Alternate Names
Population this Country 865,000
Population all Countries 865,000
Total Countries 1
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale 1
Unreached Yes
Frontier People Group No
Pioneer Workers Needed 17
People ID 11228
ROP3 Code 103047
ROP25 Code 301490
ROP25 Name Buraku
Country Japan
Region Asia, Northeast
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Location in Country Widespread   Source:  Ethnologue 2010
Country Japan
Region Asia, Northeast
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Location in Country Widespread.   Source:  Ethnologue 2010
Map of Burakumin in Japan
Primary Religion: Buddhism
Major Religion Percent
Buddhism
74.00 %
Christianity  (Evangelical 0.20 %)
0.50 %
Ethnic Religions
0.00 %
Hinduism
0.00 %
Islam
0.00 %
Non-Religious
25.50 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
Primary Language Japanese (865,000 speakers)
Language Code jpn   Ethnologue Listing
Language Written Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 1
Primary Language Japanese (865,000 speakers)
Language Code jpn   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 1
People Groups Speaking Japanese

Primary Language:  Japanese

Bible Translation Status  (Years)
Bible-Portions Yes  (1837-1992)
Bible-New Testament Yes  (1879-1993)
Bible-Complete Yes  (1883-2018)
FCBH NT (www.bible.is) Online
YouVersion NT (www.bible.com) Online
Possible Print Bibles
Amazon
World Bibles
Forum Bible Agencies
National Bible Societies
World Bible Finder
Virtual Storehouse
Resource Type Resource Name Source
Audio Recordings Audio Bible teaching Global Recordings Network
Audio Recordings Story of Jesus audio Jesus Film Project
Film / Video God's Story video God's Story
Film / Video Jesus Film: view in Japanese Jesus Film Project
Film / Video Love letter to you from scripture Father's Love Letter
Film / Video LUMO film of Gospels Bible Media Group/LUMO
Film / Video Magdalena video Jesus Film Project
Film / Video My Last Day video, anime Jesus Film Project
Film / Video Story of Jesus for Children Jesus Film Project
Film / Video The Hope Video Mars Hill Media
Film / Video World Christian Videos World Christian Videos
General Bible for Children Bible for Children
General Biblical answers to your questions Got Questions Ministry
General Faith Comes By Hearing - Bible in text or audio or video Faith Comes by Hearing
General Faith Comes By Hearing - Bible in text or audio or video Faith Comes by Hearing
General Faith Comes By Hearing - Bible in text or audio or video Faith Comes by Hearing
General Four Spiritual Laws Campus Crusade for Christ
General Gospel resources links Scripture Earth
General YouVersion Bible versions in text and/or audio YouVersion Bibles
Mobile App Android Bible app: Japanese YouVersion Bibles
Mobile App iOS Bible app: Japanese YouVersion Bibles
Text / Printed Matter Bible Gateway scripture Bible Gateway
Text / Printed Matter Cartoon Gospel tract General / Other
Text / Printed Matter Children and youth resources One Hope
Text / Printed Matter Tools for faith conversations Campus Crusade for Christ
Photo Source (Representative photo)
Copyrighted © 2024  Somchai Stock - Shutterstock  All rights reserved.  Used with permission
Map Source People Group location: Japan General Affairs Agency, Map geography: ESRI / GMI. Map design: Joshua Project.  
Profile Source Rachel Routt 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.



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