Put soybeans into a 4-quart pot, pour in about 3 quarts of cold water, and let beans soak overnignt. The next day, drain and rinse the beans, discarding the soaking liquid. Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Put onion in bottom of greased bean pot or heavy casserole with a lid. Add beans, soy sauce, molasses, tomato or chili sauce, and ginger. Pour the boiling water over all. Bake, covered, for 4 hours or until tender. Remove lid, stir in the salt and pepper to your taste, and bake 30 minutes longer. Add a little more water if beans seem dry. Can be made ahead and refrigerated or frozen. May need to add water when reheating. Excellent served over brown rice.