Part of the ‘Uchi’

Things in Japan are very different from the West—something I continue to learn even after being here for over a year now.

In the U.S., relationships are often built around shared interests or mutual hobbies, and people can become friends overnight. In Japan, however, relationships move slowly and intentionally. There is a way of building trust that requires consistency, patience, and time.

And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.

Galatians 6:9

It has been beautiful to learn the Japanese way of doing things. There is such intentionality behind the way people relate to one another. Their focus on maintaining harmony (‘wa 和’) creates peace and balance within relationships.

At times, relationships here can feel like circles. There is the “inside” group, known as ‘uchi 内,’ and the “outside” group, known as ‘soto 外.’ As you might expect, family members, coworkers, and classmates are often part of the inside group. Everyone outside of that immediate circle falls into the outside group. Language and cultural barriers can make the gap between ‘uchi’ and ‘soto’ feel even larger, but once you become part of ‘uchi,’ there is a deep sense of long-term loyalty and trust.

For the past year, I have very much felt like an outsider.

I often wondered—and prayed—about how it would even be possible to move into that circle. There were so many limitations in my mind. I currently cannot work in Japan, so I assumed I would not have coworkers. I am a student, but I attend school with mostly non-Japanese classmates. It all seemed impossible.

But with God, nothing is impossible.

I’ve mentioned before that I was offered a job at the café I’ve been frequenting since it first opened. Because of my visa situation and the owners not knowing how to process everything, I instead began volunteering there.

During my spring break, I spent a week training and learning alongside the owner, Noriko, and her daughter, Yukino. Through those moments together, it became clear that she truly wanted to hire me, and we officially submitted the paperwork to apply for a work permit. God is so good. Please continue praying for approval.

During that same time, I noticed a new design on her delicious rice-flour bagels. Curious, I asked what inspired the change.

To my surprise, she turned to me and said, “Easter is on Sunday, right? It is a picture of the cross.”

I was stunned. Completely speechless.

She continued, “That’s what you believe in, right?”

Still trying to process what was happening—and scrambling to remember the Japanese words for “resurrection” and “redemption”—I watched her take the freshly baked bagel to a customer who had ordered it.

Then, standing quietly behind the door, I overheard her explaining the significance of the cross and the meaning of Easter to a customer who had not even asked.

Without realizing it, she was sharing the Gospel.

I sat there in awe, thanking God for that moment. I had no words, yet somehow my actions and consistency over time had spoken louder than words ever could.

And in that moment, something clicked:

This is how you become part of the ‘uchi.‘

Trust here is not given quickly or casually. It is built slowly through consistency, faithfulness, and genuine friendship. It has taken nearly a year of regularly visiting this coffee shop, and at times it felt slow—but it has been so worth it.

Ministry here is much the same. It is a marathon. A long game. It requires patience, persistence, and endurance.

Praise God for the grace to keep going in His timing.

Please continue praying for Noriko and Yukino, that the Lord would continue deepening these relationships and revealing Himself to them through everyday moments.

Please continue to pray for Mayumi’s salvation- our next Bible study is on the 30th.

I am so grateful for each of you—thank you for faithfully partnering with me through your prayers and generosity as God continues His work here in Japan.

To Him be the glory forever and ever,

-Mayra Alejandra

Keiko, Mayumi, and Kahorie at our last Bible Study. Please continue to pray for Mayumi’s salvation- our next Bible study is on the 30th.

The Youth group at Abide continues to grow!

My friend Celeste came to visit me- it was such a blessing! Had another Bible study with my friend Mai, and Erina and her son.

Had the blessing of going to Nagoya to meet a friend’s friend, Naomi, please pray for her salvation as I shared my testimony and the Gospel with her!