Julie Nitao

Plant & Water

the Seed of Gospel by Walking Alongside the Next Generation 

The Story:
Julie Nitao is a 2nd generation Japanese-American, bilingual in both English and Japanese. Born and raised in California, she came to know Christ as a youth through the word of God and the shared testimonies of many leaders in Christ who demonstrated God’s love and care to her. This was also when her interest in missions started – seeing older brothers and sisters in Christ walking in His passion to serve through overseas missions. Japan drew her heart when she heard that (though so developed and with so much beauty), less than 1% of their population are Christians. God grew her heart to share the wonderful news of God’s hope during her high school and college years. After college, she worked as an infant-toddler teacher while involved in Japanese ministry in the Bay Area until she officially started to prepare for Japan Missions in 2016. 

Julie served in Rifu city, located in Miyagi prefecture, for 7 years (2017-2024), partnering with a local Japanese church to plant and water the seeds of the Gospel. 

“I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.”1 Corinthians 3:6

As a missionary, her role was to support the church’s transition from the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake relief work by walking alongside them (Romans 12:15) and being part of various ministries, including church cafe, fellowships, outreach events, Sunday school, and ministry with the youth. 

During this time, especially working with the youth, God allowed her to see how growing and keeping your faith in Jesus as a youth is really difficult in Japan. The message outside of church is very different from what the Bible teaches. They are most likely the only students in their school who go to church on Sundays, with Christianity often seen as something different - maybe even something to watch out for. The pressure they face is very real. But we know that relationship with God and identity in Christ frees them from the things of the world.

“We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might,and the wonders that he has done.”Psalm 78:4

The Vision:
Seven years of ministry have deepened Julie’s passion to continue working with Japanese children and youth; to walk alongside them so they can come to personally know Jesus. She also hopes to raise the next generation as disciples of Christ! In order to fully serve this vision, she felt the need to be better equipped in the Word of God herself, with a firmer foundation in wisdom through training. This led her to take a leap of faith, return to the States, and seek the next step.
After 2 years of prayer and seeking future steps for ministry, God has led her to return to the mission field in Japan while training online. Julie will return to the same church in Rifu, Miyagi prefecture, where she had served and built many relationships with the church members and the community.
When Julie returns to the field, she will start an online Biblical Counseling program that will equip her ministry with the youth and children while continuing to build relationships. Getting training in the field will allow her to put what she learns into practice right away. It will also allow her to practice in Japanese and in a Japanese cultural context. 

“Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good!Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!”Psalm 34:8

Partnership:
Thank you for taking the time to read about Julie’s ministry for Japan! Julie is inviting new partners to be part of this ministry because mission work cannot be done alone. It is a partnership with the body of Christ in prayer and support, sending out missionaries for God’s kingdom! Her target date to return is mid-August 2026.

If you are interested in being part of this ministry, here are 2 ways:
PRAYER Sign up here to get email updates for newsletters with prayer requests.
FINANCIALLY Become a Ministry Partner through one-time, monthly, or annual support. If you would like to know more to make this decision, please feel free to contact Julie.

Give online here or if you prefer to give by check, make the check out to “JEMS” and write our name on the memo line. Mail the check to P.O. Box 86047, Los Angeles, CA 90086-0047.

If you have any questions please call the JEMS office at 213-613-0022 or email Julie.

Thank you for your support.