Our assignments changed in 1968 when I was called into the branch office in Tokyo to do translation work. Because of the shortage of rooms, I commuted from Sumida Ward, Tokyo, and Junko served as a special pioneer with the local congregation. By this time, larger branch facilities were needed. So in 1970 property was purchased in Numazu, not far from Mount Fuji. There, a three-story factory and a residence were built. Before the construction started, several houses on the property were used for the Kingdom Ministry School, which provides training for congregation overseers.

We soon outgrew the facilities in Numazu. So 18 acres [7 ha] of land was purchased in Ebina City, and construction of a new branch complex was begun in 1978. Now all available space on this property is covered with factory and residence buildings, as well as an Assembly Hall that seats over 2,800. The latest addition, which consists of two 13-story residences and a 5-level parking/service building, was completed earlier this year. Our Bethel family now numbers about 530, but the enlarged facilities will permit us to accommodate about 900.