This programming began in 1968. JLH has coordinated this work since its beginning. Now the JLH office faces new challenges. Fewer Japanese listen to radio today.
Air time is expensive, and government restrictions limit new stations.
Since the Aum Shirikyo cult's nerve gas attack in the Tokyo subway in 1995, the antireligious trend of mass media has affected even JLH, making access to radio and television difficult. To maintain JLH's effective Christian witness, the office has developed new media evangelism, stressing close cooperation with local congregations. At that time, audiocassettes containing Lutheran hymns were promoted. This ministry has now shifted to the medium of compact discs in order to meet the demand for higher quality materials. It is now read by more than 2,000 people each week, and has prompted various questions, e-mail requests for materials, and discussions.