Shinto, Buddhism, and Religion Without Exclusive Membership
How Japanese people combine Shinto, Buddhism, ancestor practices, family customs, and secular identities without necessarily choosing one exclusive religion or describing themselves as believers.
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Is atheism common in Japan?
Many people in Japan describe themselves as having no religion. That does not necessarily mean they believe that gods and Buddhas do not exist. In Japan, saying “I have no religion” often means that a person does not belong to a particul... -
Why do many Japanese people say they have no religion?
When Japanese people are asked about their religion, many answer, “None in particular” or “I’m not religious.” This does not necessarily mean that they reject religion or deny the existence of gods and spiritual beings. Someone may visit...
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