Japan is unique in many ways. Religion is one of them. Here is basic information regarding Japanese religion.
Main religion
Japan has 2 major religion: one is Shintoism and the other is Buddhism. Shintoism is indegenous religion of Japan. Buddhism, on the other hand is an international religion and was introduced to Japan in 6th century from India through China and Korea. Buddhism spread to Japan and was accepted broadly and grew along with Shinto. Today, many Japanese believe both.
Shintoism
Shintoism is indigenous religion in Japan. It is basically natural worship, ancestor worship and hero worship. Each Shintoism enshrine Shinto “Kami” Diety. Sometimes, “Kami” is from old myth, sometimes, can be a historical figures. They often have speciality: for scholatic excellence, good health, good match making and so on. In some shrines, you can receive amulets.
Shintoism has a lot to do with our life stages and closely related to our everyday lives. We have Japanese style wedding at Shinto Shrines. When we are pregnant, we often go to Shinto Shrine to be blessed and pray for easy delivery. When the baby is born, we take them to Shinto Shrine after about 1 month. When Children are 7 years old, 5 years old and 3 years old, we take them to Shinto Shrine to thank diety. However, death is taboo in Shintoism. So we generally have funeral at Buddhist Temples.
Buddhism
Buddhism was founded by S’akyamuni Gautama (466-386 B.C.) in India in the 5th century B.C. Buddha means “enlightened one” and is not a proper name. S’akyamuni Gautama himself became confvinced that he was a Buddha and resolved to teach others how to attain to the Buddhahood.
Buddhism was once a national religion: you can see it in great Buddha in Todaiji Temple or grand Temples in Nara. Buddhism later on separated to different sects.
As death is taboo in Shintoism, we have funerals in Buddhist temples and family graves
Other religions
Third largest group is Christianity. It is about 1.6 % of the population. Christianity was introduced in Japan in 16th century by missioneries from Europe. First Missionery that came to Japan was Portugese. Christianity was banned in Japan during Edo period. Shogun was afraid that foreign influence would weaken the Shogun government. Although Christianity was prohibited, some people kept the faith. After the Japan opend up, those Christians were discovered (Discovery of hidden Christians in Nagasaki).
Difference between Temple and Shrine
When you are traveling Japan, you would often here Temples and Shrines. Temples are for Buddhism and Shrines are for Shintoism. How to distinguish the two? When you see a gate that has 2 vertical and 2 horizontal bars, that is Shinto Shrine. It is called “Torii gate” Temples do not have such gate. Shinto Shrine don’t have images. They often have some kind of symbols such as mirrors and such but generally do not show publicly and are placed inside shrines.
For Buddhism, you often see Buddha images. (Like Todaiji in Nara) Some big temples often have pagoda. Pagoda are considered tomb of the Buddha. Some temples have grave yard near the temple.
Manners – how to pray
Japanese people often pray at those places. You may take photos of the temples and shrines but please follow the sign. Some places, you cannot take photos.
If there is a place to wash hands and linse mouth, we do so before approaching.We often put some money in the offeratory box in front of the main hall.
Shintoism:We have special way to pray in Shinto Shrines. (2 bows, 2 claps, pray and 1 bow)
Buddhism: At Buddhist temples, we simply put our hands together and pray.
If you have special wishes
Both Buddhist Temples and Shinto Shrines may have Ema (絵馬 voting tablet) , Omikuji (おみくじ Fortune) and Omamori (おまもり amulets).
Lastly, don’t worry about making mistakes. Sometimes, Japanese people also make mistakes about Buddhist Temples and Shinto Shrines. If you are not sure, do as other people are doing.
I hope this post help you understand our religion better.
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