Maria Hirabayashi

Team-oriented professional recognized for establishing and maintaining solid relationships with all types of agencies. Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and analytical skills.

Motivated student with practical experience in project management. Demonstrated strengths include critical thinking, research skills, and adaptability to thrive in fast-paced environments. Significant contributions made in previous roles through effective communication and problem-solving abilities. Passionate about learning new perspectives and cultures. Committed to ongoing professional development and eager to apply learned skills in a new setting.

• Intercultural Studies
• Missiology
• Contextualization of the Gospel in Japan
• Global Christianity

• Taught Japanese to refugees in Japan as part of graduation thesis research
• Completed 'Intensive Training Program for Career in International Civil Service' (UN HQ, New York)
• Participated in 'India Service Learning Program' (volunteer work in Kolkata at Mother Teresa’s Prem Dan)
• Led multiple volunteer trips to orphanages in Cambodia and the Philippines

• Member of a Fireside Theology: Fellowship of having an intercultural discussion based on a biblical foundation
• Working part-time as a Library Service Assistant

Originally from Japan, a student at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, pursuing a PhD in Intercultural Studies. Born in China and raised in Japan, with childhood time spent in Korea, I have been immersed in diverse cultural experiences from a young age.

Majored in Theology during the undergrad in Sophia University (Tokyo, Japan), university studies in Christian ethics sparked an interest in religious conflicts and refugee issues. After working as a TV director in Tokyo (NHK World) for three and a half years, covering global news, I felt called to deepen my engagement with intercultural issues, which naturally led me to study at Trinity.

I was born and raised in a Christian family, where attending church and serving every Sunday were a natural part of life. I grew up hearing my parents’ testimonies of faith. My mother’s faith journey began in 1992 when my older sister was born in Seoul, Korea. Living in a foreign country for the first time, with only Japanese as her language, she faced tremendous challenges, especially when my older brother became gravely ill. One night, while sitting beside his hospital bed in tears, she saw a cross outside the window. This unexpected sign reminded her of the local church in Japan, where she used to go to for fun when her parents were busy working. Through this encounter, she started going to church (called “Onnuri Church”) and ultimately found Christ. Later, my father also embraced faith.

My own faith story does not involve dramatic events, yet when I was in 2nd and 3rdgrade, my family moved again to Seoul, Korea (though it was my first time living there), and at there, I went to an International Christian School (later changed its name to Yongsan International School of Seoul), and was able to immerse into the community of faith, alongside with my Sunday School at Onnuri Church, which was full of joy and precious memories.

After coming back to Japan, despite all the challenges I faced as an “outsider” in my home country, God never made me feel alone. The church and the family were always my comfort place. I vividly remember the moment I first deeply grasped the reality of Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins. During Vacation Bible School, I watched The Passion of the Christ. Tears fell freely as I realized the depth of Christ’s love. The pastor then shared Matthew 9:37: “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Raise your hand if you want to be His worker!” I raised my hand, committing my life to serving Christ.

During my undergraduate studies, Scripture continued to shape and transform me. One day, while reading the Gospel of John, the final two verses struck my heart. They remain deeply rooted in me, reminding me daily of Christ’s enduring promise and the responsibility of those who follow Him.

I sense a clear calling to serve in Japan through education and scholarship. Because Christianity remains a minority faith and there is little academic engagement with Christian contextualization in Japanese universities, I hope to help develop a new academic field that connects intercultural studies, theology, and cultural analysis.

My long-term goal is to pursue a PhD in Intercultural Studies and become a professor at a secular university in Japan. Through teaching, research, and mentorship, I hope to create spaces where students can thoughtfully explore questions of culture, worldview, and faith.

My vision is to serve as a bridge—between cultures, between academic scholarship and faith communities, and between non-believers and the gospel. Having been shaped by Christian communities in Japan, Korea, and the United States, I hope to contribute to a deeper understanding of how the Christian message can be communicated across cultures with wisdom, humility, and faithfulness.

Through my academic work and ministry involvement, I hope to see more people in Japan encounter the transformative love of Christ.