This Memorandum of Understanding was entered into by and between Sijosa (Korean Publishing House) and Fukuinsya (Japan Publishing House), held at the Sijosa auditorium on April 27, 2016, for the purpose of developing and expanding the mission.
The participants were Hwang ChunKwang, Korea Union Conference president; Um KilSoo, Sijosa president; Masumi Shimada, Japan Union Conference (JUC) president; Norihiko Hanada, director of JUC Media Publishing Ministry; Kim KiKon, former Sahmyook University president; Lee BongChun, representative of Hiranuma & Hayashi Foundation; and all Sijosa staff.
With this agreement, it is mutually understood and agreed by and between the parties that Sijosa will produce the “Mission and Health” tracts, the New Testament Bible study materials by Pastor Kim KiKon and Bible correspondence course materials and deliver the publications to Japan, and Hiranuma and Hayashi Foundation will donate an amount of approximately 155 million Korean won.
During his welcome speech, Pastor Masumi Shimada stated, “When I was struggling over the Japan Mission, Sijosa suggested that they could provide the publications. My heart was overwhelmed. I’d like to express my deepest appreciation to Hiranuma and Hayashi Foundation for their support and also to all of you for your support.”
Pastor Um KilSoo replied, “Our job is to passionately print and publish, and we are glad that this can help the mission work in Japan. We’d like to send God’s word throughout Japan, and we want to see many souls repent and come to Christ.”
Pastor Hwang ChunKwang stated during a congratulatory speech that “in the past, Korea was saved by JUC and Fukuinsya. These three strings connecting us will not be cut easily. I pray that God, who is our source of blessings, will give greater blessings to the Sijosa and Fukuinsya.”
Pastor Norihiko Hanada stated, “Our current situation is similar to David, who was afraid but given a sling and a stone. In reality, there are still complicated issues that we need to overcome, but I’d like to take steps by deepening my faith.”
Elder Lee BongChun promised his continuous support, stating, “Publication Ministry is a big project that God revealed to us directly through revelation.”
The author of the small group learning materials, Pastor Kim KiKon, stated, “I’d like to express my appreciation that JUC and Fukuinsya made the decision to utilize these learning materials. I hope that revival and reformation by God’s word will happen in all the churches in Japan.”
This business alliance started with Sijosa’s offer to support Japan Mission. However, there is a history of a close relationship between Korea and Japan in our mission. On August 10, 1904, responding to “the Macedonian Call,” Pastor Hiizu Kuniya went to Korea to preach the gospel for 50 days, resulting in 71 baptisms and 150 Sabbath worship attendees. This is how the very first Korean Seventh-Day Adventist church was formed.
The following year, the Korean church sent two church members to Japan Publishing House so that they could learn the printing technology, translate Japanese tracts to Korean and print them. In March 1909, Japan donated a small printing equipment and the publishing unit started in Korea. Also, at the time of the Korean War from 1950, Japan Publishing House accepted two staff members from the Korean Publishing House and helped during the Korean publishing crisis. This new alliance is a historical event for both parties as this is the first collaboration since 1950.
During the ceremony, Lee BongChun, the representative for a board of directors of Hiranuma and Hayashi Foundation who is offering the financial support for Japan Publishing ministries, stated, “Historically, the Korean Adventist church came into existence because of Adventists in Japan. It is our pleasure to donate this valuable fund for Japan ministry, following the Lord’s command ‘freely you have received; freely give.’ Please pray for the publishing ministries in both Japan and Korea.”
The Memorandum of Understanding agreement is as follows:
This Memorandum of Understanding is entered into by and between Sijosa, Korean Publishing House (hereinafter referred to as Sijosa) and Fukuinsya, Japan Publishing House (hereinafter referred to as Fukuinsya), sister publishers for the purpose of developing and expanding the mission in both countries and also throughout the world. It is mutually understood and agreed by and between the parties that:
1. The purpose of this MOU is to continue to develop and expand a framework of cooperation between both parties based on the relationship of mutual trust, and to spread both parties’ mission, “The Three Angels’ Messages.
2. Both parties will share information about the areas of publishing as much as possible, cooperate for production, and implement and complete worldwide mission.
3. Sijosa will grant Fukuinsya the right to translate and sell each publication. Sijosa will take charge of production and provide the publications to Fukuinsya at a low-price, given Hiranuma & Hayashi Foundation’s financial support.
4. Both parties will consult with each other as necessary, deepen the relationship of mutual trust, always value mutual intention, and work for the benefit of both parties.
5. Either party may terminate this agreement in situations where either party is unable to fulfil the agreement. The MOU will be effective for five years from this day (April 27, 2016). However, either party will be able to extend this MOU.