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.

Some statisticsThe 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 visitBlessing of infant at a shrineComing-of-age visit to the shrineCustomary 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 partnerFor health or healingFor success in the college entrance examFor good harvestFor success in businessFor safety

Getting what you want

How do you make an appeal?Simple ritual observance at a temple or shrineThe purchase of amulets (eg. ema )

Summary I

Japanese people don’t consider themselves religious, butThey regularly engage in religious practicesMost religious edifices are

Buddhist templesShintō shrinesBut Japanese religion is a mix of influencesDoctrinal distinctions are not important

Summary II

Japanese religious practices are customary and/or based on need

Seasonal observancesThe quest for this-worldly benefits

This-worldly benefits are gained byDirect appealsThe purchase of amulets

Choice of practice based on efficacy.