What is your religion? Are you religious? In Japan, What religion is the biggest? As a Japanese, I was asked by many international people. However, it’s sometimes difficult for Japanese to answer such kind of question. Also, it is same to me. No religion or Buddhism? If you are Christian, you are able to answer it quickly, but normally…. I was wondering why I was confused. So, I tried to learn about Japan’s two major religions. There are two major religions in Japan, Shinto and Buddhism. Shinto is as old as the Japanese culture, while Buddhism was imported from the mainland in the 6th century. Since then, the two religions have been co-existing relatively harmoniously and have even complemented each other to a certain degree. Most Japanese consider themselves Buddhist or Shintoist. Religions does not big role in the everyday life of most Japanese people today. The average person typically follows the religions retuals at celemonies like birth, wedding and funerals, may visit a shrine or temple on New year and participate at local festivals, most of which have a religious background. I guess that many Japanese people who are going abroad are asked same question. If we prepare about it, and also, we have an own idea about it, we are able to talk about it with international friends. It’s simple question, but important.
Posted on: Sat, 29 Mar 2014 13:35:12 +0000