Japan Adventists Bridge Faith and Culture with the Manga Mission Project

The publishing department of the Japan Union Conference (JUC) is delighted to announce the release of a groundbreaking manga book inspired by Ellen G. White’s The Great Controversy. Published in July 2024, this unique project represents a significant milestone in blending traditional religious narratives with contemporary Japanese culture.

The idea for the Manga Mission Project was sparked by visionary thoughts among the members of the JUC. “It would be exciting if the story about Lucifer’s sin, written in the first chapter of Patriarchs and Prophets, could be expressed in a manga,” they mused. This vision aimed to create a manga book that could engage the younger generations, especially through the Youth Rush programs, by making complex theological concepts accessible and intriguing.

Through divine guidance, the project was blessed with a dedicated team possessing the necessary skills to bring the vision to life. The team included scenario writers and talented manga artists, supported by a generous special offering that surpassed the project’s funding requirements.

Despite initial concerns about depicting the invisible world and potential misunderstandings with Lucifer as the main character, the team was determined to use manga, a deeply ingrained form of expression in Japanese society. Their goal was to provide a meaningful exploration of The Great Controversy, addressing the critical question among young people: “If God exists, why does suffering still exist in this world?”

Two staff members crafted the manga’s scenario, while an in-house manga artist handled the main artwork with assistance from two external artists. This collaboration enabled the project to be executed at a significantly lower cost compared to industry standards. The review process was thorough, involving department directors and professors from the Adventist seminary, ensuring the narrative remained true to its theological roots while being accessible and engaging.

While there were some differences of opinion on minor points, the solid foundation provided by Patriarchs and Prophets minimized any confusion in the story’s development. The entire project, completed over approximately two years, stands as a testament to the team’s dedication and the guidance they received.

The Manga Mission Project aims to convey the meaning of Jesus’ sacrifice to children, young people, and adults who may not yet know God. Although based on the Spirit of Prophecy, the manga incorporates many creative elements to suit its format. It could not be an exact representation of Biblical descriptions or doctrines.

Manga has become a distinctive aspect of Japanese culture, and its use in this project demonstrates innovative ways to communicate traditional religious messages. The JUC hopes this manga will glorify the Lord and reach a broad audience, fostering a deeper understanding of faith among Japan’s younger generations.

The JUC looks forward to its positive impact on bridging faith and contemporary culture and making the profound messages of The Great Controversy accessible to all.

The original version of this story was posted on the Northern Asia-Pacific Division news site.