Julie Nitao

Plant & Water

the Seed of Gospel by Walking Alongside the Next Generation 

About:

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 and 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. 

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

Her role started with supporting the church’s transition from the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake relief work by being involved in various ministries, including church cafe, fellowships, outreach events, Sunday school, and ministry with the youth. Seven years of ministry have deepened Julie’s passion to continue working with Japanese children and youth.

After 2 years back in the states (2024-2026) God has led her to return to the mission field while training online for Biblical Counseling. Julie will return to the same church in Rifu, Miyagi prefecture in August 2026, where she had served and built many relationships with the church members and the community.

The Vision:

Growing and keeping your faith in Jesus as a youth is really difficult in Japan. They are most likely the only students in their school who go to church on Sundays, with Christianity often seen as something different. The pressure they face in society is very real. They often don’t have adults in their lives to nurture them in their faith journey.

Her Vision is to plant and water seed the Gospel by walking alongside the youth and children so they can come to personally know Jesus and to raise the next generation as disciples of Christ!

“These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”
Deuteronomy 6:6-7

Visit Julie’s Ministry Page for more information!

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, financial  support, and 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.

FINANCIALLYBecome a Ministry Partner through special, 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.