Japan Religion

Japan Religion
In Japan, 99% of the population observe Buddhism or Shinto Religion. From the rest of the population, about 0.7% follow Christian religion and others comprise of mixed religion including Korean, Chinese and Filipino. Japanese government allows freedom of religion to all the people and that is why, you might come across Christians, Islams and Sikhs besides the Koreans and Chinese.

Shintoism or Buddhism is is the most commonly followed religion in Japan and in fact, Japan is the only major country where there are millions of Shinto people. Nachi Shrine or Temple is the most ancient place of worship for the Japanese Shinto people. Few of the original Shinto shrines were used to worship Sun, Rocks, Trees and many other things in the nature. People wanting to visit Shinto shrines are required to perform an act of purification before visiting these shrines. Apart from Shintoism and Buddhism, Japan is also witnessing the arrival of new religions such as Soka Gakkai, which is nothing but a Buddhist Sect that preaches the main motto of peace, culture and education.

Japanese temple

Japanese Customs and Traditions

Japanese Customs and Traditions


Japan is one of the few countries where some of the traditions and customs are followed rigidly in order to fulfill the expectations of social behavior. In westernized culture, you come across what is commonly known as Etiquette while in Japan, they have certain standard traditions such as Bowing, specialized use of chopsticks, gift-giving and hospitality. Some of the conventions, traditions and customs are restricted specific regions and thus it may not be followed all throughout Japan.

Many customs have also changed over historical traditions and some conventions have also entered into Japan from the Western Cultures. When it comes to family traditions and customs, Japanese follow more or less customs similar to many other Asian countries such as India, Indonesia and Thailand. In some part of Japan, it is as good as mandatory to conform to the region and religion specific customs and behaviors. Japanese are generally rigid about their customs and traditions and therefore they expect their visitors to follow the same until they are in the Land of Rising Sun.

Chopsticks