Recognition of Religion in Japan

    The principal religions in Japan are Shinto, Buddhism and Christianity. Shinto can be termed a naturalistic religion that grew out of the everyday life of the Japanese people in primitive times, but which was refined later by the influence of Buddhism and Confucianism.  Most Japanese are tolerant about religion, perhaps it would be better to say that the polytheistic nature of Shinto made it easy for them to accept religion coming in from foreign countries.      

    Statistics show that few Japanese are deeply devoted to a specific religion and that, in fact, many profess to have no interest in religion at all. When we are asked "Do you have some religion?", 65% Japanese people replied "I don't have specific religion, I mean I'm not religious."  A number of reasons can be given for this lack of religious feeling. For one thing, the Japanese people are by nature optimistic and concerned mainly about worldly affairs. Inhabitants of a country blessed with the beauty of nature and a moderate four - season climate, the Japanese have for many generations led an easygoing existence free from the threat of extreme natural disasters and the invasion of enemies.  Perhaps because of this, they have not developed any deep religious yearning. Further, Shintoism, the religion of Japan from time untold, is polytheistic, and because of this the Japanese people have traditionally been tolerant of all religious sects. This doesn't mean that most Japanese remain indifferent to religion throughout their lives. In the troubled days of youth, many demonstrate an interest in religion, though their feeling can at least in part be laid to their pursuit of a philosophy of life. In maturity, they tend to drift away from religion as they busy themselves with the work of making a living. In old age, they once again return to religion.      

    But we cannot say most Japanese People are non-religious. In an investigation, 90% Japanese people visit a person's graves and 80% go to the shrine in New Year.  The birth and marriage ceremonies of most Japanese are Shinto, while funerals are Buddhist. The same person will pay his respects to a Shinto shrine at the beginning of the year, visit a Buddhist temple during the Festival of the Souls in summer, and celebrate Christmas at the end of year.      

    Today, the number of followers claimed by different religions are as follows: Shinto, 109 million; Buddhism, 96 million; and Christianity, 1.46 million. The sum of these figures is nearly twice Japan's population, a situation without parallel in other countries. 

    The Japanese constitution guarantees religious freedom, and this guarantee is strictly maintained.  Therefore, there is no State religion, and no connection between national and religious functions.  Religious instruction is forbidden at public schools.