Dr. Saya Ojiri's ground-breaking work on liturgical inculturation in Japan takes Japanese culture seriously as both a unique site of and enriching source for Christian worship. Her sensitive and sophisticated approach, informed by the indispensability of rice, the primacy of ritual, and the complexity of relationship, pushes us beyond the boundaries of western models, methods, and assumptions of liturgy. As with all faithful intercultural encounters, all our liturgies stand to be enriched and blessed by these Japanese ways of Christian worship.

The Rev. Dr. William S. Kervin, Associate Professor Emeritus of Public Worship, Emmanuel College of Victoria University in the University of Toronto, Canada

This pioneering and interdisciplinary study of liturgical inculturation in Japan is deeply rooted in Japanese aesthetics and spirituality, as well as the rich discussion of the contextualization of theology and praxis in Asia. It offers insight into how the church can incarnate into a highly modernized and religiously pluralistic society. This book contributes to the diverse fields of liturgical studies, Japanese church history, and world Christianity. I highly recommend it.

Kwok Pui-lan, Episcopal Divinity School

Through a vivid exploration of liturgical inculturation in Japan, Ojiri invites readers into a context where Christians are an extreme minority and multiple religious practice is widespread. The implications for other pluralistic contexts are immense. Ojiri issues a call to take practice rather than belief as a starting point for interreligious encounters, outlines a framework for contextualizing Christian worship that reckons with colonialism, and provides an array of new insights into practices such as baptism, communion, and congregational song.

Sarah Kathleen Johnson, Assistant Professor of Liturgy and Pastoral Theology, Saint Paul University, Ottawa, Canada

Evangelistic efforts by non-Japanese have largely been thwarted by a lack of understanding the Japanese ethos since the sixteenth century. Often, Christianity is politely welcomed but has had minimal impact on the Japanese populace. In my view, this work by Dr. Saya Ojiri offers deep insight into the Japanese psyche and how localized Christian formation can take place. It is a book worth acquiring and reading if one seeks to dialog with the Japanese people about the Christian faith.

Lim, Swee-Hong, Deer Park associate professor of sacred music and director of the Master of Sacred Music program at Emmanuel College of Victoria University in the University of Toronto

In this groundbreaking study, Saya Ojiri offers a rich and nuanced vision of liturgical inculturation in Japan. Drawing on the deeply symbolic triad of rice, ritual, and relationship, she illuminates how Christian worship can speak authentically within Japanese culture while remaining faithful to the gospel. With theological depth, postcolonial insight, and pastoral sensitivity, this book is a vital resource for anyone seeking to understand or practice contextual worship in Asia and beyond.

Ricky Manalo, CSP, PhD, Practical Theologian and Intercultural Liturgist