Twenty-five years ago in Japan
I came to the United Kingdom to study at Essex University in September 1999. Before I came to the UK, I did not know anything about the country except for the Beatles.
Before I left for the UK, after a prayer one Sunday, I called Bishop Fagg of the Colchester Ward, Ipswich Stake (a name that sounded so British to me). I was very nervous, speaking for the first time in English on the phone. I explained that I was a Japanese sister coming to Essex University. He simply said, “Fantastic!” I was so relieved that my English was understood by him.
The bishop kindly arranged a place for me to stay for my first few days in a Church member’s home. The eldest daughter of the family I was staying with had just started school and cried every morning. When I was dropped off at the university accommodation and left alone in my room, I felt just as anxious as that little girl. I immediately got on my knees and prayed for help.
Over the last 25 years, I don't know how many times I have prayed that way and have been helped.
Answer to the prayer of an investigator: a big step for preparation to this path
I met the missionaries when I was a high school student in Japan but because of my parents' opposition, I was not baptised until I started university. I did pray and read the scriptures as an investigator though and as I was preparing for the entrance exam for the university, I prayed one morning: “Heavenly Father, I need to read something to prepare for my essay exam. Please tell me what books I should read.”
Later that day I saw a mobile library van near my house. I had lived in this town all my childhood, but it was the first and last time that I ever saw it there. Out of curiosity I looked inside saw a book that I felt I had to borrow. It was written by a female journalist and as I started reading it, I was shocked to learn that much of what we eat or wear in rich countries is made by exploiting vulnerable women and children in poor conditions in developing countries.
Nowadays, we hear a lot about fair trade and supply chains but it was the first time for me to learn about these international inequalities. It was painful to realise that my life was based on the sacrifices of others. I even felt guilty about living in Japan. I couldn't sleep well and was sad when I saw such goods in shops. But there was nothing I could do then. I needed to study first and someday, like the author of this book, do a job that would help more people become aware of social problems.
Now I teach human rights to students and the public and organise human rights activities. That experience was a big step in preparation for this path.
One year, two years or more
I was baptised and enrolled at university and chose International Human Rights Law as my specialisation. After graduating, I took leave to serve a mission in northern Japan.
After my mission, the words of President Hinckley encouraging men and women of all ages to pursue opportunities in higher education resonated in my heart so I returned to my postgraduate studies.
I started a PhD course in Japan but then felt that I should study abroad. There was a one-year, master’s degree course in human rights at the University of Essex, England which is world famous in the field of human rights
When I was given a blessing before I left, I was told to make the best use of this opportunity to study abroad for “one year, two years or more, to prepare for your future mission.” I had no idea why I was told this as my course was a one-year course. But now I know. I met great professors and mentors. Through fasting and prayer, I decided to go on to do a PhD in the UK.
It was extremely hard. A Church leader told me that a PhD is like a hammer that strikes hot iron and shapes it. It was true. It was a miracle that I was able to complete my thesis.
In the process, I asked for priesthood blessings many times. And occasionally I was told: 'You have a mission.” “There is something only you can do, prepare yourself for it.” “You will help many people.” “Through your specialisation, the Lord has a plan for you to do great works.' Since everyone has a mission on earth I didn't pay much attention to these words at the time.
When I finished my PhD in 2008, I could have gone back to Japan, but I felt that I still had things to do in England so I stayed at the university as a part-time staff member. I don't know why, but every day as I walked along to the university, I felt like someone was pushing me from behind. I knew that I was on the right track.
I needed to learn how to go to the temple by myself
In October 2010, I applied for indefinite leave to remain in the UK. As soon as I submitted the application, problems started to occur. It felt like someone was interfering with the process. I had been invited with a couple of the professors to visit some Japanese universities with them in the January and I needed my passport back by then, but the situation seemed hopeless.
In Japan, the Tokyo Temple was far from my town, but it is in the middle of the city and close to the underground station. I could go there often and stay as long as I wanted. I missed it. In the UK though, I had had to rely on other people to drive there and would have to leave after one or two sessions. Honestly, I was not satisfied with that.
When Christmas came and my passport was still not returned. I was desperate and yearned to pray in the temple but I had no one to ask for a lift because of the holiday season. Google Maps wasn't as developed as it is now, so I didn't really know how to get there but I knew that the London Temple was near Gatwick Airport. I decided to take the train to the airport and take a taxi from there to the temple.
It cost a lot of money but it was all I could do. That's how I arrived at the temple by myself for the first time in the UK. As soon as I arrived, I knelt to pray in my room and I realised that I needed this experience. Before I could get permanent residency and continue living in this country, I needed to learn how to come to the temple by myself.
Since this experience I’ve continued to go to the London Temple regularly by myself and to stay as long as I want. Just as Nephi went to the mountains to pray for the instructions to build his ship, the temple is the place for me to get guidance as I continue my human rights work.
God sometimes teaches us our mission in mysterious ways
In August 2013 my PhD thesis on ‘the international financial institutions and human rights’ was published. I wanted to build a career in this field utilising this book. I hoped to work for international organisations for a few years. It would be good for my CV and income.
However, only one month later, I was guided in a completely different direction in a unique way.
One Saturday in September 2013 I went to post some summer holiday photos on Facebook. Normally I only open my own page but this time, I was prompted to look at some of my friend’s photos too. Among them, a post by a Japanese friend working for the United Nations stood out. He posted about various problems in the world and Japan.
I learned that the Japanese government was preparing a ‘Special Secrets Protection Bill’. It meant that inconvenient information could be hidden in the name of national security. The drafting process also lacked transparency. I know that Japan is a democratic country so I was shocked to think that Japan was doing such terrible things.
I couldn't get that bill out of my head for days. I could not forget it. I thought I should do something about this bill, so I prayed for help and guidance.
Engagement with human rights experts of the United Nations
I could see online that many people were demonstrating against this proposed law in Japan, but I had no connection with anyone there so I thought that I might be able to raise international awareness. I decided to report it to the United Nations human rights institutions. Because of my academic research I was familiar with the UN procedure but I had never expected to use it myself for my own country.
I translated the bill into English with my friend and sent it to the UN human rights experts in Geneva. I did not expect to hear from them but they responded with concern about the potential negative effects of the bill. After a few days of further discussion it with them, an official UN letter was issued as a recommendation to the Japanese Government.
It was immediately covered by major TV news and newspapers in Japan. Civil society groups and lawyers were amazed and delighted by the sudden support from outside. I was blessed with an instant network in Japan and started to receive invitations to speak in public there.
That winter, when I received a blessing before traveling to Japan, I was told: “You were guided in a unique way to what you needed to know. Freedom of information is essential for all of God’s children to exercise their agency but now opposing power is challenging it and God is concerned about it. You will be protected from the power of the enemy. People will come to you to learn from your wisdom.”
In December 2013 I spoke at a public event for the first time in my life and 400 people came to listen.
I had always wanted to know what my 'mission' is
After this, it took me a couple of years to find my way forward. I had expected to work for an international organisation for a few years. But I’d always wanted to know what my 'mission' is that had been mentioned in the priesthood blessings so many times.
In the temple in Autumn 2015, after repeated fasting, prayer, and temple attendance, I received clear revelation to focus on human rights in Japan. I didn't know what would happen, especially financially, I would not have a salary, I have no job description. But for now I can say: “I have sufficient for my needs.”
I know this is spiritual work. My line manager is the Lord. That is why I need to go to the temple regularly to receive guidance.
The Lord guided me in writing the words He wanted me to share with people
Japan's human rights issues are not well known globally so I work to raise international awareness. Also, since Japanese people do not properly learn about human rights, I conduct educational activities.
For example, from November 2023 to March 2024 in Japan, I gave 20 lectures at 15 universities as well as 30 public talks and seminars. In total I spoke to about 4,000 people directly. In addition, a major newspaper published an interview with me and an opposition MP quoted me in his parliamentary questions to the Prime Minister.
Another key example of God's guidance in this work was the publication of my book. A few years ago, my mentor at Essex University suggested that I write a book on human rights in Japanese. Not an academic book, nor a textbook, but a book to help ordinary Japanese people understand international human rights.” I knew this was something that had to be done and I quickly got an offer from one of the biggest publishers in Japan. It was during the pandemic, and I stayed in my room and worked on my manuscript every day.
As I thought of Joseph Smith praying before he began translating the gold plates, I asked the Lord to guide me in writing the words He wanted me to share with people.
The book was published in December 2022. Human rights is not a popular topic in Japan. I had no idea if there would be any reaction. But to my surprise, the first 6000 copies were sold out within two months. The publisher was also surprised. In less than two and a half years since its publication, the book has sold over 17,000 copies.
People who accepted the concept of the human rights are preparing to accept the gospel
As I gave talks in various places in Japan, I realised that my prayers while writing this book were being answered. Many people said they were empowered and dignified.
Among the readers, there was a woman who was told as a child by her parents that she should never have been born. She grew up abused and had many physical and mental problems. However, after reading my book and learning about human rights, she happily told me that she now knows that she has dignity and value. Another reader, a transgender person said: “After reading this book, I realised that my life is worth living. This book will continue to be my bible.'' These were overwhelming experiences.
One Church leader in Japan who read my book and then came to one of my talks told me: “I think people who accept the concept of human rights are preparing to accept the gospel.” That really makes sense. Both messages overlap. It is a great joy to see I have been used as an instrument of God.
It is me who has been blessed through this mission
Four months intensive work in Japan was really exhausting. Because of the tension I could not sleep well, I lost hair, my skin problem got worse, and I even got cold sores. For a month or so after my return to the UK, I did not have the energy to do anything. Not only physically but also emotionally I was quite low.
One such night I was reading over my notes of past priesthood blessings. And one of the blessings caught my eye. It was blessing I received in January 2006 when I was still a PhD student.
My notes read as follows: “You will be blessed with many opportunities of publications. You will put into writing the words the Lord wants people to hear, and they will be conveyed to the hearts of those who read them. You will help people when you speak through the Spirit. Through your talks and writings people who have wet their pillows with tears of sorrow will have the opportunity to shed tears of joy, and people who were about to take their lives will have the opportunity to feel God's love and find hope.”
I was overwhelmed. In 2006, I had still been struggling with my PhD and had no idea what it meant. But now I am seeing it happen. How patient the Lord has been with me watching me grow and prepare. This record was another reminder that I was being used as an instrument of God. Such recognition is a source of strength and reminds me that I have been blessed through this mission.
I came to the UK with the intention of being here for just a year, and then hoping to work for an international organisation. The way I live now and the work I am doing was unplanned and unexpected. But I know clearly that the Lord has been guiding me ever since I was prompted to read that book in the mobile library before my baptism. I know all things shall work together for our good.(1)
References:
1. Romans 8:28
