Transcript First, some statistics

Are Japanese People Religious?
Most Japanese people do not consider
themselves “religious.”
Why not?
The difference between
shūkyō 宗教 and shinkō 信仰
In fact, most people do periodically
participate in religious observances
and a number do so regularly.
Some statistics
The population of Japan
is ~125 million
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?
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)
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
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
Getting what you want
How do you make an appeal?
Simple ritual observance at a temple
or shrine
The purchase of amulets (eg. ema )
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
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.