What religions are practiced in Japan? Japanese people's religious beliefs and customs

Hello, this is Kano from JAC (Japan Association for Construction Human Resources).

What kind of religions are practiced in Japan?

Many people would like to learn about the characteristics of the religions practiced in Japan and apply this knowledge to their interactions with Japanese people.

This time, we will explain the religions practiced in Japan.
We will also introduce the percentage of people who believe in certain religions, their characteristics, and Japanese people's views on religion.

What religions are practiced in Japan? Introducing the percentages and major religions

According to a 2018 survey by NHK, Japan's public broadcaster, 36% of people in Japan answered that they "have a religion."

The percentage of people who believe in certain religions is as follows:

• Buddhism: 31%
• Shinto: 3%
• Christianity: 1%
• Other: 1%

While few people practice religions other than Buddhism, freedom of religion is guaranteed in Japan today.
Therefore, it's okay to practice any religion.

This time, we will explain what kind of religions Buddhism, which is widely practiced in Japan, and Shinto, which developed in Japan, are.

Buddhism

Buddhism is one of the world's three major religions.

It originated in India, spread to Southeast Asia, China, and Japan, and developed uniquely in each region.

The founder was Siddhartha Gautama, who was born in India around the 5th century BC.
It is said that it was introduced to Japan from the Korean Peninsula in 552.
*There are various theories.

In Buddhism, the central teaching is that one can be freed from suffering by practicing asceticism and attaining enlightenment.
However, there are various sects within Buddhism, each with different beliefs and prohibitions.

A temple is a building that symbolizes Buddhism.
Many temples have been built throughout Japan, and people come to worship there.

Temples are also places where monks and nuns live and practice their spiritual disciplines.

Shinto

Shinto is a religion without a founder or scriptures.
In Shintoism, it is believed that gods reside in everything around us.

In Japan, it is said that the gods created the country of Japan.
Therefore, Shintoism naturally arose from the climate, culture, lifestyle, and way of thinking of the Japanese people.

The building that symbolizes Shintoism is a "shrine."
Various gods are enshrined in Shinto shrines.

During the New Year's holiday, many Japanese people visit temples and shrines to perform "hatsumode" (first shrine visit of the year).
Hatsumode refers to the first visit to a temple or shrine after the New Year.
People express gratitude to Buddha or the gods for the past year and pray for good fortune in the new year.

Life and Religion in Japan

While many people in Japan practice Buddhism, over 60% of respondents say they do not follow any particular religion.

However, religious ceremonies are well-established in Japan.
Therefore, even if they don't personally follow a specific religion, many people still cherish their religious beliefs.

Some of the religious events that are deeply rooted in Japan include the following:

• New Year's Hatsumode: The first visit to a temple or shrine in the new year
• Obon: A traditional event to welcome the spirits of deceased ancestors
• Bon Odori: A traditional dance performed during the Obon period.
• Shichi-go-san: An event to celebrate children's growth and visit temples and shrines
• Purification from evil spirits: Having an exorcism performed at a temple or shrine

Information about the Obon festival can be found in this article.
What is Obon in Japan? We'll introduce the timing and how to celebrate it!

Various religions permeate life in Japan

In Japan, Shintoism and Buddhism coexist while being intertwined.
This is called "syncretism of Shinto and Buddhism."

In Japan, due to the syncretism of Shinto and Buddhism, temples and shrines are sometimes built on the same grounds.
Furthermore, many people practice both Buddhism and Shintoism, and visit both temples and shrines.

In Japan, not only Shinto and Buddhism, but also various other religions coexist and are deeply ingrained in daily life.

For example, it is common for weddings to be held in Christian churches or Shinto shrines, and funerals in Buddhist temples.
Many people also enjoy events of other religions, such as Christmas and Easter.

Summary: Many people in Japan practice Buddhism! Other religious cultures are also deeply ingrained in daily life.

In Japan, the largest number of people practice Buddhism.
Others practice Shintoism or Christianity.
In Japan, freedom of religion is guaranteed, so it's perfectly fine to practice any religion you choose.

Many Japanese people say they "do not follow any particular religion," but religious ceremonies are also a part of their daily lives.

Another characteristic of Japan is the coexistence of various religions.
Not only are customs and events from one religion integrated into daily life, but those of other religions are also deeply ingrained.

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