About Us
YWAM Okinawa began in 1988 through the pioneering work of missionary Toppie Kivimäki. The first DTS launched the following year in 1989.
since then the base has faithfully run school after school, training hundreds of believers and sending them into the nations. Over the decades, more than 370 students have completed DTS, and the legacy of discipleship, missions, and prayer has continued to grow.
Today, after running over 40 DTS schools, YWAM Okinawa stands at a uniquely strategic place — both geographically and spiritually. Okinawa sits as a gateway into Japan and Asia, and the base is stepping into a new season as a training center for the coming harvest. The focus is simple but weighty: train people deeply in the Bible, worship, and prayer so they can carry the gospel with maturity, humility, and power.
YWAM Okinawa Story
From Okinawa to the Nations
With a strong commitment to discipleship, the base continues to run Discipleship Training School Seminars, equipping men and women to walk in obedience and serve with character. This training emphasis is not isolated YWAM Okinawa works closely with the local church, championing and supporting what God is already doing across the island. Together with the Body of Christ in Okinawa, the base seeks to raise up workers who can serve Japan and the nations in this significant moment of spiritual readiness.
Some Cool Facts
Statistics
Discipleship Training Schools
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Students Trained
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Second Level Schools Ran
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Okinawa is a historical crossroads of Japan, Asia, and the Pacific. A uniquely strategic gateway for mission and prayer.
Training
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Mercy Ministry
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Evangelsim
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National Chairman
Kazuhiko Yoshida is the National Chairman of YWAM Japan. Bringing leadership to the movement of YWAM in nation.
Base Director
Naoko Yoshida is the Base Director of YWAM Okinawa bringing leadership to base locally.