Meet Akihiko Hisatomi, the New President of the Alliance of Japan

The Japan Alliance Church (JAC) elected Rev. Akihiko Hisatomi its new president during the denomination’s annual assembly in May 2025. Hisatomi will serve a two-year term, leading a fellowship of 36 congregations across the country.

For over two decades, Rev. Akihiko Hisatomi has contributed to the church’s national ministry through leadership in publications. From 2003 to 2025, he served with The Gospel of Jesus magazine, and in 2023 was appointed to the JAC Board of Directors as publishing director. His consistent service and dedication led to his election as president of the Alliance of Japan earlier this year.

As he steps into this new role, Rev. Hisatomi acknowledges both the opportunities and challenges facing the Japan Alliance Church (JAC). With only 26 pastors serving 36 congregations—many of whom are aging—he emphasizes the urgent need to raise up young pastors and leaders for the next generation. Strengthening ties with Alliance Mission (U.S.) churches and congregations established in Japan by international missionaries from Argentina, Brazil, Peru and the Philippines, will also be a priority.

Born in Nagasaki in 1960 and raised in Aichi Prefecture, Hisatomi encountered the gospel in his early twenties while living in Tokyo. In 1985, he came to faith through the ministry of Youth With A Mission (YWAM) missionaries and was baptized at Shibuya Evangelical Church (C&MA). Soon after, he pursued theological training at Tokyo Christian University, completing both undergraduate and pastoral studies by 1991.

His pastoral ministry began at Kotesashi Alliance Christ Church, where he served as associate pastor before being ordained in 1993. That same year, he and his wife Michiko welcomed their first child, Hikari, followed by their daughter, Michiru, in 1996.

“We face a pressing challenge,” Hisatomi says. “Many of our congregations lack young people and children. Without renewal, we risk closures or mergers. Please pray for a revival among the youth of Japan, and that God would call a new generation of pastors to shepherd his church.”

The Japan Alliance Church invites the global Alliance family to join in prayer for renewed vitality, particularly that young people may be drawn to Christ and equipped to lead his Church in Japan.