What do you think about the way Japanese people view religion ? Hello everyone. I'm Japanese and I would like to write about the way Japanese people view religion in my blog. I have 2 questions for th

Maiko

Professional Teacher

What do you think about the way Japanese people view religion ?

Hello everyone.

I'm Japanese and I would like to write about the way Japanese people view religion in my blog.

I have 2 questions for the persons who are not Japanese.

1. What do you think about the way Japanese people view religion ?

2. Please tell me the good points and the bad points that you think.

(Please write in English or in Japanese. If you write in Japanese, I correct your sentences.)

Thank you.

May 25, 2018 11:53 AM

Comments · 3

I am by far not an expert on this subject but I have spent some years learning about natural religions/cultures including Buddhism and Shinto. I think that it's very good and interesting that those two religions coexist in Japan, besides other communities such as Soka Gakkai for example. I don't see any bad points in them and it's great to see how the own culture and traditions are maintained. Frankly speaking, I am glad that abrahamic religions are almost non-existent in Japan.

May 25, 2018

>the way Japanese people view religion

I have not say, nobody knows how Japanese people live with religion. First of all, you have to explain it and then ask for opinions is the proper way. However, it is not very easy. We have to mention the existence of Shinto, the influence of Buddhism, Confucianism, change in Buddhism in Japan during samurai period, and these to non-Buddhists, non-Confucianists or "real" Buddhists whose "Buddhism" totally different from Japanese one. Without giving all information, no one can give you an opinion which you actually expect.

I think it better, if it can be the point of your expectation, to share some youtube footages of a Japanese Buddhist monk (as far as I remember) who explained the tolerance of "Japanese religion" to celebrate Christmas, funerals in Buddhist temples and New Year visits of citizens to Shinto temples.

May 25, 2018