Religion in Japan

Emperor Hirohito, the last emperor

to rule with both prerogative powers
and the assumption of divinity.

http://www.picturehistory.com/pro
duct/id/4334

The Great Buddha of Kamakura is the

second largest monumental Buddha in
Japan.
http://www.sacreddestinations.com/japan/kamakura-greatbuddha

http://jkephartjapan.weebly.com/
sources.html

Japan has two main religions in its country, Shinto and Japanese Buddhism.
The Shinto religion has been around since the beginning of Japanese culture. Shinto
religion has no founder, and no
single sacred book or scripture,
but is the devotion of to invisible
spiritual beings and powers. This
religion has not spread to other
countries, but has mainly stayed
in the country of Japan throughout
the centuries. Buddhism on the
other hand started on the
mainland of China and India, and
gradually made its way to the
island of Japan in the 6th century.
Buddhisms founder was Siddhartha Gotama, the Buddha, and focuses on inner
peace with oneself, and reaching total nirvana.
Religion has played a big role in the cultural development of Japan. Many of
the holidays they celebrate, the way they live their lives, and even theyre
government leaders all connect back to religion. Japanese religion goes past just
believing in a higher power, it is a way of life. Marriage and funeral ceremonies
under the Buddhist belief system are followed throughout the country of Japan.
When someone dies, theyre bodies are cremated and monks are given food and
candles from the family of the deceased which creates goodwill which helps the
spirit of the dead person. Marriage is considered one of the greatest achievements in
reaching total happiness in Buddhist beliefs. Religion in Japan really value good
karma and living ones life morally correct, and thus many people in Japan try to live
as good as they can.
There are many sacred sites for Shinto and
Buddhism in Japan. These include shrines, temples, and
natural environments. Many sacred places for Buddhism
religion are located in Kyoto, Japan. Many important
temples are located in different cities around Kyoto,
including the most sacred site for the Jodo (Pure Land)
sect of Buddhism in Chionin, Kyoto. Also, an important
shrine for Buddhism religion, The Great Buddha of
Kamakura is located in Japan, and is the second largest
monumental Buddha in this country. Temples and shrines
are sacred places where people of these religions are able to
go to and worship and praise higher divinities.
The main connection to religion and government in
Japan is the emperor of Japan, the head of state. The emperor
of Japan is the symbol of the state and of the unity of the
people. Under the Shinto religion, the emperor is the highest

authority and it is believed that his family is the direct descendants of Amaterasu,
which is a major deity of the Shinto religion. Because the emperor is such a
figurehead for the Shinto religion, he is responsible for performing rituals for the
peoples of Japan.
In conclusion, I believe that religion has a major role in the everyday lives of
the people who live in Japan. Their religions arent just religions to them, they are a
philosophy, a way of life. Most religions focus on worshipping of a higher power, but
with Buddhism and Shinto these religions focus on reaching total happiness and
gaining karma so that youre spirit can reach total nirvana. I believe it is great to not
only have a high deity to believe in, but also to have a set of guidelines that will
help you live a better life.

Sources

Religions: Shinto. (n.d.). Retrieved November 11, 2014.

About Buddhism. (n.d.). Retrieved November 11, 2014.
Personal Ceremonies in Buddhism: Marriage and Funeral Rites. (n.d.).
Retrieved November 11, 2014.
Sacred Destinations. (n.d.). Retrieved November 11, 2014.