American friends and family often ask me questions about religion in Japan. As with answers to most questions, it is complicated. But there is freedom of religion in Japan. There are also some deep religious traditions. At the same time, religion doesn’t dominate public discourse the way it does in some countries such as South Korea, The USA, and others.
The main religions associated with Japan are Shinto and Buddhism. An easy way to tell the difference between the two is that Shinto is housed in shrines (jinja), and Buddhism is housed in temples (o-tera). These places are used for rites of passage and ceremonies associated with different phases of life, the seasons, and the passing of years.
Virtually all people I know in Japan take part in these ceremonies. However, virtually none of those people associate strongly with a religion.
It is true that Shinto was used nationalistically in Imperial Japan. But, there were many Shinto priests who were strongly against that, such as Guji Yukitaka Yamamoto (whose book is available for free online). In the book, Yamamoto of Tsubaki Jinja, describes Shinto before it was weaponized.
In terms of Christianity, there are some Christian schools. There is a Jehova’s Witness presence, a Mormon presence, and Catholic and protestant churches in most cities. There are also modest signs posted around towns such as the one posted above saying things like, “The Eternal God Jesus Christ.” Other religions also have small presences.
I am not sure what organization posts those signs, but they are not political activists as far as I can tell. In fact, religion is basically a non-factor in public discourse and politics.
In Japanese politics, there is some mention of gods, traditions, and mythology, and some politicians make public appearances at shrines that carry Imperial history. But there aren’t major organized parties with religious agendas like I have observed in other countries.
In this sense, the relationship to religion is very healthy. In fact, in addition to having freedom of religion, I think it could be said that Japan has in many ways achieved freedom from religion.
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English learners Questions: What is the difference between "Freedom of religion" and "Freedom from religion?"
Do you agree with these observations about religion in Japan? What are your thoughts on religion in Japan, or in the country where you are?
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