Are Japanese People Religious?

1. Are Japanese People Religious? • Most Japanese people do not consider themselves “religious.” • Why not? • The difference betweenshūkyō宗教 and shinkō信仰 • In fact, most people do periodically participate in religious observances and a number do so regularly.

2. The population of Japan is ~125 million Some statistics

3. Japan’s Religions • You probably know that Japan’s religions are: • Buddhism and Shintō • But of course other Asian religions have influenced religion in Japan • Confucianism and Daoism • Can we measure the involvement of Japanese people in religious practices?

4. What does religious practice look like? • The solemn meditating monk? • Daily or weekly visits to the local shrine? • The selection from Tanabe & Reader gives you some idea • customary or aimed at meeting a need. • No distinction between Buddhas and kami (Japanese deities)

5. Customary observances • Customary Shintō observances include: • New Year’s shrine visit • Blessing of infant at a shrine • Coming-of-age visit to the shrine • Customary local shrine festivals

6. Religion as a way to meet needs • Japanese Religion as practiced by most people is aimed at meeting needs: • For a marriage partner • For health or healing • For success in the college entrance exam • For good harvest • For success in business • For safety

7. Getting what you want • How do you make an appeal? • Simple ritual observance at a temple or shrine • The purchase of amulets (eg. ema)

8. Summary I • Japanese people don’t consider themselves religious, but • They regularly engage in religious practices • Most religious edifices are • Buddhist temples • Shintō shrines • But Japanese religion is a mix of influences • Doctrinal distinctions are not important

9. Summary II • Japanese religious practices are customary and/or based on need • Seasonal observances • The quest for this-worldly benefits • This-worldly benefits are gained by • Direct appeals • The purchase of amulets • Choice of practice based on efficacy.