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.