Religion in Japan
Religious practices in Japan / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Religion in Japan is manifested primarily in Shinto and in Buddhism, the two main faiths, which Japanese people often practice simultaneously. According to estimates, as many as 80% of the populace follow Shinto rituals to some degree, worshiping ancestors and spirits at domestic altars and public shrines. An almost equally high number is reported[6] as Buddhist. Syncretic combinations of both, known generally as shinbutsu-shūgō, are common; they represented Japan's dominant religion before the rise of State Shinto in the 19th century.[7]
Religious believers in Japan (CIA World Factbook)[3] | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Shinto | 70.5% | |||
Buddhism | 67.2% | |||
Christianity | 1.5% | |||
Other religions | 5.9% | |||
Total adherents exceeds 100% because many Japanese people practice both Shinto and Buddhism. |
Religion in Japan (2018 NHK research)[4] | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
No religion | 62% | |||
Buddhism | 31% | |||
Shinto | 3% | |||
Christianity | 1% | |||
Others | 1% | |||
No answer | 2% |
The Japanese concept of religion differs significantly from that of Western culture. Spirituality and worship are highly eclectic; rites and practices, often associated with well-being and worldly benefits, are of primary concern, while doctrines and beliefs garner minor attention.[8] Religious affiliation is an alien notion. Although the vast majority of Japanese citizens follow Shinto, only some 3% identify as Shinto in surveys, because the term is understood to imply membership of organized Shinto sects.[9][10] Some identify as "without religion" (無宗教, mushūkyō), yet this does not signify rejection or apathy towards faith. The mushūkyō is a specified identity, which is used mostly to affirm regular, "normal" religiosity while rejecting affiliation with distinct movements perceived as foreign or extreme.[11][12]