Shuma | Tokyo, Japan

Shuma is currently a third-year student at Waseda University. He grew up in a home where there was no exposure to God but only traditional Japanese traditions that derive from Shintoism and Buddhism.

In 2024, as part of his major, Shuma had the opportunity to study at the University of Arizona. Life there was difficult at first—he struggled to find friends because of the language barriers and being in such a big school. But one day, he met Ryzun, a Japenese-speaking student involved with StuMo at Arizona. The two became friends, and through that friendship, Shuma was introduced to Christianity and the local church for the very first time.

As he spent time around StuMo students, Shuma was struck by the genuine kindness and love they showed him. He said he was shocked by how different they were—unlike what he was used to back in Japan, where most people seemed focused on their own success and careers.

After a year of going to StuMo Nights and church, Shuma returned to Japan in the summer of 2025. There, he began spending time with a StuMo-planted church and connected with local StuMo staff. Amazingly, Ryzun happened to be in Japan that same summer for a mission trip through StuMo. Ryzun introduced Shuma to Andre and Jackson, who began spending time with him each week—playing basketball, working out, and studying the Bible together.

Though Shuma was curious about faith, following Jesus came with challenges. Life was going well for him, and he knew that choosing to become a Christian could mean losing social acceptance in a culture that didn’t value faith. Still, God was working in his heart.

As he continued reading Scripture, Shuma came to understand that Jesus died for his sins and that he could go to Him for everything—receiving a peace that surpassed understanding. Through a difficult breakup, he realized that his life wasn’t as perfect as he thought and that he truly needed help. Remembering how his StuMo friends showed him Christ’s love through their actions, Shuma decided he wanted to live the same way.

This fall, Shuma trusted in the death and resurrection of Christ and was baptized in Japan. Now, Shuma’s greatest desire is to see his family and friends come to know Jesus just as he did. His story is a beautiful reminder that God is sovereign—guiding every moment, every friendship, and every step of the journey that led Shuma to new life in Christ.