From the Land of the Rising Sun

Junko is an ordinary eight-year-old girl who lives in Osaka, flies her kite around the rice fields with her friends, and dreams of becoming a musician. Her only fear is of Mr. Thunder, the celestial being who steals children's belly buttons during thunderstorms. Following a family move to America in third grade, Junko's profound desire to belong in her new culture leads to newfound faith in Christ. Yet, she can't reconcile her understanding of a benevolent God with the angry Mr. Thunder of Japanese lore. While navigating life as an overachieving immigrant, learning a new language, and pursuing her passion for music, Junko encounters various trials and triumphs that ultimately lead to a clearer understanding of a good and gracious God. About the author: Junko (June-Co) Nishiguchi Cheng is an award-winning Japanese American singer/songwriter who began her singing career on NHK television in Tokyo. She continues to record and travel internationally with her ministry, with an emphasis on singing for children. She has opened for artists such as Michael W. Smith and Avalon, and for speakers such as John Townsend and Tony Campolo. Junko has been featured on Focus on the Family radio, in Worship Leader magazine, and was a cover interview for Today's Christian Woman magazine. She makes her home with her husband, David, and their two children in Irvine, California, where she is also a worship leader at Saddleback Church. Find out more about Junko at www.junko.com.