Rationale:

This lesson is meant to be inserted into a unit on world religions. It attempts to provoke student
thinking about the meaning of religion and what it means to follow a religion or lead a
religious life. Although religion is a cultural universal, definitions of what it means to be
religious vary by culture. Japan provides an interesting case example that challenges students
to reconsider static notions of the worlds great religions.
Essential Questions:
What is religion? Are the Japanese religious?
Sequence of Activities:
Opening (15 minutes)
Share with class essential questions. Show statistics on Japanese religious attitudes.
Give the example of a basketball game at the Breslin Center. Some people might argue that this
is a religious experience for them. There is a sacred space on which a ritual unfolds. There are
leaders and participants. There is a time for the people to participate through chants and song.
People are often led to a general feeling of good will and a closer connection to something
higher.
Most people would agree, however, that MSU basketball is not a religion. That raises the
question: What makes a religion a religion? Work with a partner to come up with a set of
characteristics.
Have students share their characteristics. Write on board. Save for later.
Body (30 minutes)
Briefly share timeline of religious influence in Japan. Ask students to locate other events from
the history of world religions onto this timeline.
Pass out chart. Have students work individually, then work in groups of three to discuss.
Discuss answers.
Give a bit more background on Shinto (what would be important to share?) sharing pictures.
Closure (10 minutes)

As a class, discuss the question: Are the Japanese religious? If helpful, have each student write
down their answer and a few sentences to justify their thinking. Have a few students read their
responses and then ask other students to respond to any of the points that have been raised thus
far. Return to initial list as necessary or helpful. What is Religion? Are the Japanese
Religious?
In some recent surveys, 60% - 80% of Japanese people say they are not religious.
In one Gallop poll, Japan as rated as one of the 10 least religious countries in the world.
Many Japanese people borrow ideas, beliefs and everyday practices from several
different religions: Shinto, Buddhism, Christianity, etc.
Common Japanese Practice
Hang decorations on an old
tree to indicate that a kami
(god, or spirit) lives there.
During the annual festival of
the dead, visit the family
cemetery to greet and report
news to the returning dead.
Pray to the Buddhist figure of
Jizo, who is believed to help
the souls of children who
have died.
Worship at a home altar by
bowing, praying, lighting
incense, and giving offerings,
such as a flower.
Purchase an amulet which
can
be worn on the body for
protection, blessings,
and reminders of ones
relationship with the gods.
Visit a shrine before a big
exam or a job interview to ask
the gods for success.
Have a chicken dinner with

If You Can, Relate This to

Something You Do or
Believe in Your Life

Is This Religious? Provide a

Few Words to Justify Your
Thinking

your family on December 25;

exchange presents with your
loved ones.
Attend a special, ritualized tea
gathering at a tea house.