Lights Church is Japan's first bilingual online church designed in the UK and officially opened on 5th April 2026 for people living in Japan and abroad.
Lights Church uses online platforms and other technology to share the Gospel with people across Japan and beyond. We aim to connect people with Jesus Christ and His Church, and to help them shine ever more brightly as the "light of the world" wherever they are.
The name "Lights Church" is based on Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:14–16 (NIV). “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”
Lights Church proclaims, together with Jesus, that all people are created to be "the light of the world" and called by God to live as such. We support each person to become a light—so that countless lights may shine across Japan and throughout the world.
Greetings from the Pastor
Thank you for visiting Lights Church. My name is Kengoro Goto (後藤 献五郎), and I am the pastor of Lights Church.
I am currently a PhD candidate (Manchester, UK) sponsored by the Japanese Government (MEXT), conducting cutting-edge research in the fields of biblical studies and linguistics. During my study abroad for seven years, I have witnessed the rapid development of online and automated technologies in many areas of life. With the swift advancement of science and technology today, people's lifestyles have changed dramatically. Even within the church, while the truth in the Holy Scripture remains eternal, there is an increasing need for flexibility in how the gospel is shared.
For example, approximately 124 million Japanese people are living both in Japan and abroad, yet many remain unaware of the immense love God has shown them through their lives. Lights Church is carefully designed from the ground up to respond swiftly and effectively to the needs of those struggling every day. We are committed to fulfilling our mission through our various kinds of ministry: to help people recognise God’s overwhelming love, come back to Him, be filled with joy, and grow towards Christlikeness.
As the pastor of Lights Church and an expert in biblical studies, linguistics, and technology, I will share the Word of the Bible from its original languages in a way that anyone can easily understand and enjoy using their devices. Using modern tools, I will create and deliver the gospel to you instantly in various forms. By utilising my expertise and technological skills, I aim to help people throughout Japan and abroad receive the gospel in high quality, and grow deeper in their relationship with Christ and His Church.
Currently, we have five joyful online events a month. Check out the event details and join us using your devices 🎉
⭐️ Upcoming events → details 🎉
Pastor Kengoro Goto's Profile:
🇬🇧 The University of Manchester (Profile): Kengoro Goto
🇬🇧 Manchester Wesley Research Centre (Profile): Kengoro Goto
🇪🇺 EABS Student Prize 2025: Hebrew & Cognate Areas, Winner: Kengoro Goto
🇯🇵 National Research and Development, Japan Science and Technology Agency (Profile): Kengoro Goto
🌏 Academia (Profile): Kengoro Goto
📒 note blog: Greetings from Kengoro Goto
📺 YouTube: Kengoro Goto's channel