In 1996, Pastor Akura and Shigeyo Kurasawa started Emmaus Bible Church in Japan. The church is named after their desire and vision to help people discover and know God, just like the disciples who were on the road to the city of Emmaus whose eyes were opened to seeing Jesus. In 1998, by the Lord's leading, they began house churches, which allowed them to invite people into their homes to share the gospel and God's love. There are currently three house churches, each located in Tokyo, Saitama and Yokohama. As a church body, Emmaus Bible Church follows and accepts the Apostles' Creed and followed traditional forms of worship and evangelism.

However, in July 2005, following his desire to know God more, Pastor Akura flew to Seattle, Washington to attend an Annual Church Camp produced by New Hope International Church. There, his eyes were opened as he learned about the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and how God changes us, empowers us and enables us to become His vessels to reach out to all people.