a bit about the mission

The mission is headquartered in Nagoya, the third largest city in Japan, with a population of over two million people.  The area around Nagoya is largely commercial and industrial, and includes Toyota City, headquarters of Toyota Auto Company.  The industrial environment has attracted people from many countries, especially Brazil.  The famous Mount Fuji, Japan's highest peak, lies in the mission along with the Japan Alps.  The 1998 Winter Olympics site of Nagano is also included.

Japan is a cash society.

All young elders and sisters use bicycles as their primary mode of transportation.  Public transportation is used only when the destination is over one hour away by bicycle.

Missionaries sleep on futons not beds, so you will buy sheets here that fit the futons.

The Japanese brands of toothpaste and deodorant do not seem to please the missionaries.  If possible with your weight limits, bring enough of these to last your entire mission.

The Japanese postal system is very good.  Please send letters and boxes through your local post office to the Mission Office address.  Without additional cost we can forward these items on to you.
We forward your mail either the same day it was received or the following day.  Note:  The Japanese Post Office will not allow us to forward any items received through UPS, Fed Ex or DHL.

mission ties

Paul really wanted to serve in Japan.  What is fun to note is that he will be serving in the same mission as his Aunt Leiana Huber Smith.  Her response, "Loved that mission.  Hopefully you will get one of my areas." (She served in Yokkaichi, Fukkui, Takefu, and Gifu.)

It is also the same mission his bishop Craig Foley served in.  (Bishop's response: "That is awesome.  That is my mission!  The best mission on earth.  I'm so excited for him and for your family.")

Paul remembered that one of our Japanese exchange students (Sayuri Nomura) was born in Gifu (which is in his mission boundaries.)

Mission President

Paul's mission president was just recently called and will begin serving in July - barely beating him there!

Tetsuji Ishii, 63, and Fumie Ishii, three children, Toyohashi Ward, Nagoya Japan East Stake: Japan Nagoya Mission, succeeding President Kazuhiko Yamashita and Sister Tazuko Yamashita. Brother and Sister Ishii served as senior missionaries in the Japan Fukuoka Mission. Brother Ishii is a former Area Seventy, stake president, bishop, director of a multistake public affairs council, and missionary in the Japan Central Mission. Retired manager of general affairs, overseas procurement, and employee education, Aichi Nikon Company. Born in Hiroshima, Japan, to Yuuichi Shibata and Hiroko Nakamoto Shibata.

Sister Ishii is a former ward Relief Society president, counselor in a ward Young Women presidency, family history counselor, Sunday School teacher, and seminary teacher. Born in Toyohashi Aichi, Japan, to Takashi Ishii and Miyoko Fujiwara Ishii.

Paul receives his mission call