Raised in a strong Buddhist family Tsuyoshi John (added later because of his frequent interaction with English speakers who found it difficult to pronounce his native name) Sakurai abandoned a promising career in science early in life to saving souls in Japan.

Tsuyoshi was born the eldest son of a son of a Buddhist priest, and according to tradition, had Tsuyoshi’s father not abandoned the Temple, he would have been under a strong obligation to carry on the family profession.

While in college, Tsuyoshi met a young Christian woman that changed his life. With her strong faith in God as the Creator of the universe, she challenged his belief in the scientific explanation of the origin of the universe.

While vainly trying to convince her of the “actual facts”, Tsuyoshi realized that it was he who was confused. Her faith, which resisted the logic of scientific theory did not rest on how the universe was created but on Who created it. Tsuyoshi realized the confusion in his own life and gave his life to Christ. Although he had a guaranteed job at a prestigious company after college graduation, he chose to go to Bible school and become a pastor and dedicate his life to saving Japanese souls.