Practical Theology in Japan today

This report on Practical Theology in Japan begins with a biographical account of the discipline's history and current situation. The author reviews more than 50 years of experience with homiletic and poimenic theory and practice (I.) Practical Theology is described as a component of missiology and as essentially missional (II. and III.). Protestant Practical Theology in Japan was heavily influenced by theology from German-speaking countries during the 1950s and 1960s, but particularly American theology gained influence, subsequently (VI.). In both cases, the inculturation of Christianity and Practical Theology proves to be a central issue (V.). The article concludes with a brief review of institutions and protagonists in Japanese Practical Theology today (VII.) and with a summary (VIII.).