How do you become a wedding minister

[Hijinx]

What you do is not immoral, but if you start telling everyone how corrupt and decadent real priests are and then are happy to pretend to be one in order to earn a bit of cash; then you become a hypocrite. Because by what you do you are selling the christian church whether you think so or not.

Tree,

That is such bull.

The whole christian wedding in Japan is a performance, pure and simple. The gaijin priest/minister is just a bit part in the performance. Pertinent criticism of illegal deeds done by real priests is a completely different animal. There exist no hypocrisy at all--selling the christian church; c'mon--yada yada. You can't actually believe this.

[paulh]

What you do is not immoral, but if you start telling everyone how corrupt and decadent real priests are and then are happy to pretend to be one in order to earn a bit of cash; then you become a hypocrite. Because by what you do you are selling the christian church whether you think so or not.

Put it this way,

if you had a Japanese gf wanting the whole white wedding bit in Japan, and you had to choice between me and a 70 year old alcoholic pedophile for a priest who would you want to do your ceremony? Would it make any difference to you if either you or your wife were not church goers? Do you go to church?

What would you do if you couldnt find an ordained minister?

Anyway Im not selling the Christian church, the couple has already been sold on the wedding when they book the ceremony. The minister is no more than an actor.

I will add that the minister does not attempt to proselytise or convert the 'audience' and heavy duty Bible bashing is frowned on.

[tree]

Tree,

That is such bull.

The whole christian wedding in Japan is a performance, pure and simple. The gaijin priest/minister is just a bit part in the performance. Pertinent criticism of illegal deeds done by real priests is a completely different animal. There exist no hypocrisy at all--selling the christian church; c'mon--yada yada. You can't actually believe this.

If 200 people are watching a christian ceremony, whether it's fake or not, it is selling the religion in some shape or form. People could well go to a "christian" wedding in Japan and think "ooh, I quite like this, I think I'll visit the proper church". It is selling christianity.

[scipio]

If 200 people are watching a christian ceremony, whether it's fake or not, it is selling the religion in some shape or form. People could well go to a "christian" wedding in Japan and think "ooh, I quite like this, I think I'll visit the proper church". It is selling christianity.

Any other nationality I would disagree with you, but the Japanese.....

[Hijinx]

If 200 people are watching a christian ceremony, whether it's fake or not, it is selling the religion in some shape or form. People could well go to a "christian" wedding in Japan and think "ooh, I quite like this, I think I'll visit the proper church". It is selling christianity.

Hmmm. What if Chuck Heston were a big critic of Judaism, would he be a hypocrite?

[Hijinx]

Okay, I think I see what you're saying. You're saying that if Paul in all his glory as a actor/minister somehow manages to generate interest in christianity with his captivating wedding services, then he may actually be encouraging the strengthening of that he dislikes. Hmmm--maybe, but knowing the Japanese, by the time the candle service comes around, they'll have already forgotten what religion the service was conducted in. In reality, Paul may only encourage more fake christian wedding performances, and that's all. And in his own way, he's making a mockery out of that which he dislikes, so no hypocrisy.

[paulh]

If 200 people are watching a christian ceremony, whether it's fake or not, it is selling the religion in some shape or form. People could well go to a "christian" wedding in Japan and think "ooh, I quite like this, I think I'll visit the proper church". It is selling christianity.

The only people who sell religion in this country are Mormons and Jhovahs Witness who go out knocking on doors and try and convert people in the street.

Im not going to teach you theology here but most the wedding ceremony is about spreading the scriptures, readings from the Bible. Im not selling trinkets and little Bibles at the door as they go out. Anyway, the chapel inside a hotel is part of a money-making business so in a sense it sells itself. Im not try to convert anyone.

what you are providing them with is a particular type of experience that happens to contain aspects of religious imagery.

Anyway for all your huffing and puffing my bridal agency has a real church ministry with real ministers in japan of which all the pastors are members. if you like I will send you an invite.

[scipio]

Anyway for all your huffing and puffing my bridal agency has a real church ministry with real ministers in japan of which all the pastors are members. if you like I will send you an invite.

You own a bridal agency?
Wow,
I just thought you were a university TEFL teacher.
Well done Paul, now you're going places.

[paulh]

You own a bridal agency?
Wow,
I just thought you were a university TEFL teacher.
Well done Paul, now you're going places.

The one I work for. Would be nice if I did though.

PS I have PR so I can basically do any work i want in Japan, including weddings. Maybe thats why these guys are so pissed.

[tree]

PS I have PR so I can basically do any work i want in Japan, including weddings. Maybe thats why these guys are so pissed.

Yeah, that's right H. I'm just sore because I want to pretend to be one of God's representatives on earth to hitch a couple just because the bride has watched Four Weddings and a Funeral.

What kind of gear do you wear? The dog collar and everything?

If there's a hell, you'll be going there and you'll be able to meet up with your old paedo teachers.

[paulh]

If there's a hell, you'll be going there and you'll be able to meet up with your old paedo teachers.

Im sure you will be waiting there to show me the ropes.

[Morning Star]

Paul, why do you insist on getting baited into these discussions?

It's embarrassing for real wedding priests like me.

[cutyourhair]

Let's get back on topic.

Tokyo Music Centre is a place to start out of Tokyo. But what about the rest of Japan? What about Kansai?

There also seem to be some visa requirements...

[paulh]

There also seem to be some visa requirements...

Bridal agencies seek people on missionary spouse or PR visas. teacher and humanities visa holders are breaking immigration law by working outside their visa status.

Immigration has already done raids on places like TMC to check pastors visas.

[Hijinx]

You need a special visa for the missionary position in Japan? I'll try another position then.

[paulh]

Let's get back on topic.

Tokyo Music Centre is a place to start out of Tokyo. But what about the rest of Japan? What about Kansai?

There also seem to be some visa requirements...

I work in Kansai and have connections.

Most work is word or mouth and there is no bridal agency on each corner. Its not like they actively advertise for pastors. Its all in who you know.

I know of someone looking for someone to do weddings in Tottori-ken. Train fare and accomodation provided (2.5 hour train ride one way)

[tanmedia]

Bridal agencies seek people on missionary spouse or PR visas. teacher and humanities visa holders are breaking immigration law by working outside their visa status.

Immigration has already done raids on places like TMC to check pastors visas.

Paul is right. I looked at doing this on my weekends right at the same time as the "bust." One needs to apply for a permit to do the weddings. My contact, who is a veteran in this game, told me that the majority of people doing weddings have permanent or spouse visas.

On another note, he also mentions that he thinks that the job gives you an insight into the Japanese service industry and all its foibles. He's also told me how the business has corrupted some foreigners while making some others quite unstable. The responsibility is huge. I think it's a good job for foreigners who find themselves in Japan with families to support but little to do sxcept teach English. For single people, it is a huge burden on one's free time when that time could be spent on other, more relaxing pursuits.

[paulh]

On another note, he also mentions that he thinks that the job gives you an insight into the Japanese service industry and all its foibles. He's also told me how the business has corrupted some foreigners while making some others quite unstable. The responsibility is huge. I think it's a good job for foreigners who find themselves in Japan with families to support but little to do sxcept teach English. For single people, it is a huge burden on one's free time when that time could be spent on other, more relaxing pursuits.

I used to train pastors to do weddings and heard horror stories of these f-k up gaijins who treat the whole thing as a joke have poor Japanese and totally destroy a couples wedding.

If you get the names or rings wrong the family will make a claim and 'fine' your employer. This can be anything from 50,000 to several hundred thousand yen.


We had one case where the trumpeter got the time wrong ad was 15 minutes late. the ceremony couldnt start till a replacement arrived. In the end the family got a free wedding ceremony.

You f--k up a wedding ceremony, get names wrong, forget the veil, it comes out of your pocket and likely you wont be asked back.

The singers are usually pretty urusai when the pastor makes a mistake and Ive only had one or two serious incidents in 8 years.

[Morning Star]

Tokyo Music Centre is a place to start out of Tokyo. But what about the rest of Japan? What about Kansai?

Go to some hotels that have chapels.

Tell them you would like to get in touch with the wedding agency that they use.

Call up the company and tell them you want to become a fake wedding priest.

Good luck, godspeed and may the love of Jesus be with you.

[paulh]

Go to some hotels that have chapels.

Tell them you would like to get in touch with the wedding agency that they use.

Call up the company and tell them you want to become a fake wedding priest.

Good luck, godspeed and may the love of Jesus be with you.

Be sure to tell the hotel you want to do their fake nisemono weddings. They'll hire you on the spot.

[Chavezgaddafi]

It`s a vulgar discussion, I think I`ll step in
to throw some cold water on all the fevered egos
out there pretending to be priests.

Paul, first of all what is all this about 80-year old
alcoholic paedophile priensts ? Are you saying this is the norm ? Because if you are that is a pretty big claim to back up. I`d like to hear a bit more analysis to support this claim.

I would argue that Christianity is the only religion that has allowed itself to be used in such disreputable ways: i.e fundamentalist Christians in the whilte house, but we all know how many muslims are angry at the hijacking and rendering of Islam into a fundamentalist, war-of-the-civilizations vehicle. However, I would say shame on anyone masquerading as a fake priest. You whores, haven`t you already got away with enough masquerading as a "teacher" in Japan ? Not got enough money that way ? Now you`ve got to sell fake dreams to mentally-bovine Japan ?

If these weddings are acceptable, am I to assume that by the same token, foreigners can now carry out baptisms and confirmations as well ? If you`re prepared to say "amen" in a church, well, that is enough as far as I am concerned.

What next, an exorcism of a haunted house in Japan by a fake foreigner priest ?
We`re after white-haired, avuncular-looking people, who LOOK like a white Samuel Jackson. The ghosts won`t discriminate, as long as you look religious it won`t matter. Or will it ?

Whores the lot of you. And don`t say "we`re just supplying a demand" because that is what
(a) heroin dealers
(b) child-porn peddlers
(c) arms dealers
(4most) Currency Dealers

use as an excuse.

You are fakes and a disgrace to yourselves.

I`m not even a bloody Christian.

[Jacque_S]

You f--k up a wedding ceremony, get names wrong, forget the veil, it comes out of your pocket and likely you wont be asked back.

If there was a chance someone might do this, they never shoulda been asked in the first place. The fact that a service industry would throw untested people into such an important situation then demand they pay a 'fine' in case of feck-up speaks volumes.

[paulh]

It
If these weddings are acceptable, am I to assume that by the same token, foreigners can now carry out baptisms and confirmations as well ? If you`re prepared to say "amen" in a church, well, that is enough as far as I am concerned.

What next, an exorcism of a haunted house in Japan by a fake foreigner priest ?
We`re after white-haired, avuncular-looking people, who LOOK like a white Samuel Jackson. The ghosts won`t discriminate, as long as you look religious it won`t matter. Or will it ?

So far there are very few Japanese who want to be baptised, though Christian funerals are becoming popular.

2 million yen to get buried in Japan puts many Japanese off Buddhist funerals.

You missed the point though, Christian weddings have nothing to do with religion and everything to do with marketing and packaging, down to the imported chapels and Bibles from Europe.

[paulh]

If there was a chance someone might do this, they never shoulda been asked in the first place. The fact that a service industry would throw untested people into such an important situation then demand they pay a 'fine' in case of feck-up speaks volumes.

Thats TMC for you, and you have so many foreigners who dont even consider the consequences of their actions.

Blame the bridal company that doesnt train them not the hotel as they are the client.


Three cardinal rules.

1. dont get names wrong
2. dont mess up the rings.
3. Dont be late.


the rest is gravy.

[Morning Star]

You are fakes and a disgrace to yourselves.

I`m not even a bloody Christian.

I'm the 100% real deal, pappy.

The beautiful thing about Christianity is you can always ask for forgiveness.

[Chavezgaddafi]

That`s true. Great religion, infernal punishment
awaiting anyone who doesn`t believe.

These mickey mouse weddings are so low to stoop to
pick up a bit of cash.


By the way, what does an atheist scream when he comes ?

[Hijinx]

That`s true. Great religion, infernal punishment
awaiting anyone who doesn`t believe.

These mickey mouse weddings are so low to stoop to
pick up a bit of cash.


By the way, what does an atheist scream when he comes ?

When he comes? I dunno, ummm, "I'm here."

[cutyourhair]

By the way, what does an atheist scream when he comes ?

Maybe something like, イク、イク、イクウウウゥ！．

[Chavezgaddafi]

fate and destiny fate and desting !!

chemical chance, chemical chance !!

or maybe just..."big bang !"

[Ed Ob]

It's a simple case of supply and demand, much like anything else in Japan.

Organised religion is the biggest scam on the planet, ripping off billions in cash and lives for thousands of years. So a few crafty gaijin are using it to cash in on Japanese vanity? So what? I say f$%k God, f$%k the Church and f&%k anyone stupid enough to pay for a fake clergyman.

More power to all of you who go in the name of God(TM).

[thickmick]

By the way, what does an atheist scream when he comes ?

Ask your wife ,she has probably had all denominations .

[bishop7x]

Hi everyone

could any one tell me how and what I need to do to become a wedding minister here in Tokyo and kanagawa.
I already have a job here but im interested in become a wedding minister during the weekend.

Does anyone know how I can do this?
Where do I go to look?
Or any professional companies that deal with this?
Im White and from the UK

Thank you
James

June 19, 2006

Dear James,

I can help you with your problem.For complete info,please
send email to: chariots7x@yahoo.com

[JohninJapan]

I have done a few hundred weddings over the past 10 years or so and lots of funny/interesting stories to tell. Had a first just last Sunday though...as the soloist was singing 'Ave Maria' during the signing of the register she suddenly turned white as a ghost and collapsed. The poor girl evidently had a bad, bad case of anemia and her system just shut down.

Any other stories from fellow 'pastors' out there?

JinJ

[Betting]

One of my first weddings had a horrendous experience for the groom. It came to the kiss, and as always I said, 'You may now kiss the bride'. The groom moved forward a little to kiss his bride, but she took a flying jump backwards, she was so embarrassed to kiss him in front of the congregation. I felt more embarrassed for him (he looked completely shocked anyway), and was thoroughly horrified by her.

[paulh]

One of my first weddings had a horrendous experience for the groom. It came to the kiss, and as always I said, 'You may now kiss the bride'. The groom moved forward a little to kiss his bride, but she took a flying jump backwards, she was so embarrassed to kiss him in front of the congregation. I felt more embarrassed for him (he looked completely shocked anyway), and was thoroughly horrified by her.

Havent had many bad experiences but you do get the odd groom f--k up the kiss. Stands there 20 seconds trying to decide where and how to plant a kiss and gives her a little peck on the cheek (like Chuck and Di's non-kiss before they divorced) . She had a pissed off expression that was priceless.

had one guy try and pull the veil back down after lifting it and giving the kiss.

One a bride was crying during the ceremony and her mascara ran. By the end of the ceremony at the taijo she looked like something out of the Addams family.

[homesweethome]

I've been doing it about 8 years and the couple of experiences I remember the most have to do with the kiss.

Before the wedding at this place the father of the bride the bride and groom and myself wait in a little room for all the guests to arrive and get seated. I use this time to speak to the couple and whatever. One time the father of the bride had a flask in his pocket and he pulled it out and offered me a drink, I declined. Then he gave it to the bride and groom and it obviously wasn't the first 'taste' they had of it. When they came down the isle (father and bride) they were weaving all over the aisle. Then when it came time for the kiss the groom lifted the veil then put it back, lifted it and put it back again, then the audience laughed so he did it again and again. By this time everybody was hysterical. I made a small gesture that he should leave it up the last time and he did.

Another time the groom was some sort of character I guess (but not drunk) and he lifted the veil and 'licked' the bride on the cheek. This got a rise out of the audience so he did it again. And then wagged his tounge all around like a snake. Yuk!

[Morning Star]

I've had a groom kiss the bride on her stomach unexpectedly, she was so pissed that she wouldn't take his arm or let him escort her for the rest of the ceremony.

Another groom had the bride in a 20 second lip-lock during the kiss until she pushed him off of her.

During the ring exchange, one groom dropped the ring.

I dropped the ring once.

A couple weeks ago the bride's father was calling the groom a worthless piece of ____ right before the wedding started.

Plenty of other little things, but not particularly interesting.

[steeny]

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

[homesweethome]

I've announced a flower shower when there wasn't meant to be one at the taijo.

Screwed up the names repeatedly.

a "kono dansei to kekkon shi..." indicating the bride...

My weddings are a mess, but they don't fine me.

They must really love you.

[homesweethome]

Actually I would like to do a funeral. I've never done one and I only know one other pastor who has. He has a church and does one when one of his members dies. He get's asked to do one occasionally because they know he is cheaper than the Japanese funeral services.

One of the places I do weddings at also has a seperate facility for funerals and I asked them about the possiblity of me doing a funeral and they looked at me like I was crazy. This was several years ago. I think PaulH mentioned about gaijins doing funerals. I read an article about a gaijin who started a funeral contract business in Tokyo and he seems to undercut the competition on prices for flowers, urns, cremation and so on. Does anybody have any other experiences?