Japan is one of the world's greatest industrial nations with a population of 127.5 million.  This chain of islands stretches 1,744 miles in the Pacific Ocean; total area equals the size of Montana.  In 1947 a new democratic constitution guaranteed freedom of religion.  Intense opposition to Christianity has lessened in recent years, but a resistance to the Gospel remains due to the country's cultural and religious background.  Assembly work commenced in 1933 and today there are about 120 assemblies.