Ippo Ippo book release

Dear Ippo Ippo Steps subscribers,

I want to thank all of you who have followed my blogs. It has been my intention for quite some time to compile all of these thoughts on Japan into a single book which is now available to purchase through Amazon. Most of you are well acquainted by now with the phrase Ippo Ippo, which means “step by step” in Japanese. These simple words serve to capture the many experiences of my wife and I in Japan and reflect our extended sojourn among a people living in a land extremely different from our own. This book was written for those who want to know more about Japan and with that objective in mind, it attempts to creatively peel back some of the layers of a very unique country that currently attracts millions of curious visitors every year. Many cultural items distinctive to Japan are covered in the book and each is linked to a devotional thought rooted in the Bible. 

The following is a summary of the book by the lead pastor of our home church, Jason Wolin. “Mike McGinty offers a masterful bridge between the intricate traditions of the Land of the Rising Sun and the timeless truths of the Risen Son. Drawing from over 34 years of life and ministry in Japan, McGinty transforms everyday cultural observations, from the precision of a hanko personal seal to the stoicism of gaman, into profound spiritual lessons that resonate far beyond the Japanese archipelago. The book is structured with the accessibility of a travelogue and the depth of a seasoned theological devotional. Whether he is navigating the unspoken etiquette of Japanese slippers, the “meishi dance” of business card exchange, or the heartbreaking landscape of “empty foundations” following the 2011 tsunami, McGinty’s voice remains grounded, witty, and authentically humble. He captures the beautiful complexity of a nation where high-tech “Sound Princess” toilets and millions of vending machines coexist with ancient Shinto rituals and a deep-seated cultural longing for “reading the air.” Each of the 100+ vignettes pairs a unique Japanese concept with a relevant biblical passage, encouraging readers to walk “step by step” (ippo ippo) in their own faith journey. McGinty doesn’t just explain Japan; he uses its culture as a mirror to examine the human heart, our need for community, and God’s unwavering faithfulness. This is an essential read for missionaries, travelers, or any “sojourner” seeking to find God’s presence in the nuances of a foreign land. It is a truly enlightening, heart-stirring, and culturally rich guidebook for the soul.”

To order:

Click on this link to purchase the paperback version of the book on Amazon ($13).

Clink on this link to purchase the Kindle version of the book on Amazon ($5).

If you enjoy the book, please feel free to add a review on the Amazon site and pass this information on to your own circle of friends. Thanks so much!

P.S. I will also soon reformat the existing blogs on my site to make them more accessible and easy to find by topic.