Religion in Contemporary Japan

By Ian Reader

What role does religion play in contemporary Japanese society and in the lives of Japanese people today? Through a series of case-studies of religion in action - at crowded temples and festivals, in austere Zen meditation halls, at home and work, at dramatic fire rituals - it illustrates the immense variety, energy and colour inherent in Japanese religion while discussing the continued relevance and responses of religion in a rapidly modernising and changing society.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0333523229
• ISBN13: 9780333523223
• Release Date: February 1991
• Publisher: Palgrave MacMillan
• Length: 277 Pages
• Weight: 0.83 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.5" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

The best primer available - highly readable

"Religion in Contemporary Japan" is a highly enjoyable, informative and surprisingly readable book on the somewhat obscure subject of religion in contemporary Japan. As an MA student studying religion in Japan, this book was recommended as a starting place, and I found it invaluable.Ian Reader lays out how religion is treated in Japan, what its general effect is on everyday life, and explores some of the more hidden corners of the Zen Buddhist temples and the new-new religions. Don't expect information on doctrines or specifics of any particular religion. This is far more of a sociological treatment than a theological one.Of particular interest, I enjoyed his comments on the holy sites of Japan, and how they have been transformed to serve tourist interests. Also, his insights into the modern religion of Agonshu are very interesting, and highlights the modern "invention of tradition" found in Neo-pagan religions in the US. I found it interesting that this same phenomenon, of trying to link back to a mythical past, also existed in Japan.Specific areas touched upon are "Turning to the Gods in times of trouble," "Unifying Traditions, " "Born Shinto, Die Buddhist," "Individuals, Ascetics and Expressions of Power," "Sites and Sights," "Actions, Amulets and the Expression of Meaning," "Spirits, Satellites and a User-friendly Religion."