INTRODUCTION

Japan Bible Seminary (JBS) is a Christian evangelical non-denominational seminary located in western Tokyo. Its purpose is to train people so they can serve the Lord both in Japan and abroad.

"In diligence not slothful; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord" describes the goals of the founders of the Japan Bible Seminary. Since its beginning in 1958, over 650 students have graduated, of whom more than 90% have been engaged in full-time Christian work, including foreign mission work.

JBS has from its beginning placed special emphasis on training pastors and evangelists who will be completely dedicated to Christ and the building of His church. In order to do this, much attention is given to a thorough knowledge of God's Word in its original languages, complemented by a close involvement of the faculty with the student body.

As its name implies, Japan Bible Seminary stands firmly on the historical doctrines of the Christian Faith and cooperates with like-minded evangelical churches and organizations.

HISTORY

JBS was founded in 1958 as a result of the vision of Akira Hatori (Evangelist), Junichi Funaki (Theologian), and Donald Hoke (American missionary) Thirteen students met in a rented house in the Kugayama, Suginami Ward area of Tokyo. The next year they bought property in Hamadayama, Suginami Ward and held classes there for the next thirty years. In 1982 the seminary completed legal registration as a religious body.

The seminary was unable to expand in Hamadayama, so in 1989 it moved to its present location in the city of Hamura, an hour west of central Tokyo.

GOVERNMENT

JBS is legally a religious body governed by a 7-member Board of Trustees that is elected by the Board of Reference. The 10 members of the Board of Reference are appointed through the recommendations of churches, mission boards and other evangelical organizations. The individual members are mostly pastors and church workers. The seminary is supported mostly by churches and groups in Japan.

CURRICULUM

Our core program is a course equivalent to a Master of Divinity, though being a religious body we are unable to offer academic degrees. Students are required to take courses in Greek, Hebrew, Old Testament, New Testament, Systematic Theology, Historical Theology, and Practical Theology. Depending on whether they choose a three-year course or a four-year course, they also must complete a graduate project or a graduate thesis.

In addition to the study program, chapel is held daily. Students participate in dormitory life and also serve in local churches throughout their seminary course. During two summers they spend some time in groups working in a rural church.

Some other programs are offered also: extensions courses, a series of classes for laymen held in downtown Tokyo, a summer school for pastors, and a summer school for those involved in church music.

All programs are in Japanese.

REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION

Applicants must be able to testify to being born-again Christians and have received baptism at least a year before applying.

They must have been faithfully participating in the life of a church for at least a year.

As the entire program of this seminary is in Japanese, they must be able to comprehend, read, and write university-level Japanese.

They must have graduated from a four-year university or have the equivalent academic ability.

They must be recommended by their church.

They must pass the entrance examination given by this seminary.

INFORMATION

Address:2-9-3 Hanenishi
 Hamura-shi, Tokyo
 205-0017 Japan

Telephone:042-554-1710
Fax:042-554-5562


Transportation:

From downtown Tokyo take the JR Chuo line to Tachikawa, then change to the Ome line and get off at Ozaku, the tenth stop. We are a 15-minute walk from the west exit of the station. For more directions, please telephone.