It is often said that “Japanese people are non-religious.” Indeed, in Japan, relatively few people openly profess adherence to a specific religion. Unlike in Western countries, where attending church on Sundays or placing religious rituals at the center of daily life is common, such practices are rare in Japan.
But is this statement really accurate?
At the start of the New Year, many Japanese visit shrines for hatsumōde, their first prayers of the year. Weddings are often held in chapel-like venues styled after Christian traditions, while funerals are typically conducted in the Buddhist style. Despite this, these actions are seldom perceived as “religious practices.” Nevertheless, these customs are deeply rooted in religious values from Shintoism and Buddhism, a fact that should not be overlooked. A closer observation of the so-called “non-religious” daily lives of Japanese people reveals that the concepts of religion and spirituality quietly permeate their way of life.
The Legacy of Shinto and Nature Worship
For Japanese people, nature is not merely a collection of landscapes but rather a sacred presence, a view heavily influenced by ancient Shinto beliefs. The phrase yaoyorozu no kami (“eight million gods”) reflects the traditional idea that divine spirits inhabit mountains, rivers, trees, stones, winds, and even the earth itself. This belief, which venerates and coexists with nature, continues to be deeply embedded in Japanese culture today.
For example, visiting a shrine to pray during the New Year or keeping a kamidana (a household Shinto altar) for daily offerings are practices still common among modern Japanese people. What is noteworthy, however, is that these acts are often not recognized as explicitly “religious.” Instead, they are seamlessly integrated into daily life, appearing as natural customs rather than religious rituals.
Shinto is not merely a collection of religious ceremonies but a set of values deeply woven into Japanese life, manifesting as respect for and gratitude toward nature and the world around us.
The Influence of Buddhism and the Culture of Remembrance
Buddhism, too, is an essential part of Japan’s religious tapestry. Practices like honoring ancestors during Obon or Ohigan seasons—visiting graves and offering prayers at family altars—are widespread. Yet, these are more often seen as acts of respecting one’s ancestors rather than strictly “religious” behaviors.
Japanese views on life and death are also profoundly shaped by Buddhist concepts, such as reincarnation and the impermanence of all things. This is evident in the Japanese appreciation of fleeting beauty, as seen in their love for cherry blossoms. Phrases like “the beauty lies in the falling of the flower” or “the final moments are the most beautiful” reflect an aesthetic sensibility rooted in Buddhist thought.
The Integration of Christian Elements
Interestingly, elements of Christianity have also found their way into Japanese life. Weddings held in chapels and the widespread celebration of Christmas are prime examples.
Christmas in Japan, however, is rarely associated with religious significance. Instead, it has become a festive occasion spent with family or loved ones. Similarly, events like Halloween and Easter have gained popularity, particularly as fun activities for children.
As outlined above, religious customs are deeply embedded in Japanese daily life. Why, then, are Japanese people often perceived as non-religious?
One reason may be the Japanese tendency to avoid being bound by any particular religion. The Japanese approach to religion can be described as a form of “syncretism.” Elements of Shinto, Buddhism, and occasionally Christianity are seamlessly incorporated into life, each used naturally depending on the situation—a kind of “taking the best of everything.” This fluid approach may lead to the impression that Japanese people lack a concrete religious identity.
Another reason is that Japanese people often engage in religious activities so naturally that they do not consciously recognize them as such. Acts like praying, making offerings, or participating in family rituals embody deeply held values, but these are rarely framed as “religious” acts.
What, then, is the essence of religion? It may be the act of connecting with the unseen, finding meaning in life, and seeking peace of mind.
Japanese people may not perceive their actions as acts of faith or adherence to doctrine. Yet, within their everyday practices—such as visiting shrines at the New Year, marking the seasons with temple visits, or expressing gratitude for nature and ancestors—the essence of religion quietly resides.
For instance, the practice of hatsumōde or seasonal visits to temples and shrines is not tied to specific religious teachings. Instead, it serves as a way to mark life’s milestones, express gratitude, and reaffirm one’s place in the world. Furthermore, ideas like harmony with nature from Shinto and the Buddhist concept of impermanence are deeply ingrained in the Japanese worldview. These ideas do not confine individuals to rigid doctrines but instead resonate flexibly with people’s lives, influencing their perspectives and values.
Religion, in its essence, may not require specific rituals or creeds. It can be understood as a quiet presence in one’s heart, enabling a sense of connection to nature, others, and the past and future.
The background of Japanese people’s “unconscious religiosity” lies in their culture of valuing connections—wa, or harmony, with nature, ancestors, family, and others. These connections form the foundation of Japanese spirituality.
This approach could be seen as a broader form of faith, transcending the framework of any single religion. Rather than being confined to religious doctrine, Japanese people infuse their daily actions with gratitude and respect, embodying a unique spiritual outlook.
Ultimately, the idea that “Japanese people are non-religious” may be a one-sided interpretation. In reality, Japanese people could be among the most deeply spiritual, possessing a quiet yet profound sense of faith.
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