Religion in Contemporary Japan [Paperback]

Ian Reader (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1991

What role does religion play in contemporary Japanese society and in the lives of Japanese people today? This text examines the major areas in which the Japanese participate in religious events, the role of religion in the social system and the underlying views within the Japanese religious world. Through a series of case studies of religion in action - at crowded temples and festivals, in austere Zen meditation halls, at home and at work, at dramatic fire rituals - it illustrates the immense variety, energy and colour inherent in Japanese religion. It also discusses the continued relevance and responses of religion in a rapidly modernizing and changing society.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 294 pages
• Publisher: University of Hawaii Press (January 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0824813545
• ISBN-13: 978-0824813543
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.4 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #600,015 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best primer available - highly readable, August 14, 2003

By 

Zack Davisson "japanreviewed" (Seattle, WA, USA) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (2008 HOLIDAY TEAM)    (TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

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This review is from: Religion in Contemporary Japan (Paperback)

"Religion in Contemporary Japan" is a highly enjoyable, informative and surprisingly readable book on the somewhat obscure subject of religion in contemporary Japan. As an MA student studying religion in Japan, this book was recommended as a starting place, and I found it invaluable.

Ian Reader lays out how religion is treated in Japan, what its general effect is on everyday life, and explores some of the more hidden corners of the Zen Buddhist temples and the new-new religions. Don't expect information on doctrines or specifics of any particular religion. This is far more of a sociological treatment than a theological one.

Of particular interest, I enjoyed his comments on the holy sites of Japan, and how they have been transformed to serve tourist interests. Also, his insights into the modern religion of Agonshu are very interesting, and highlights the modern "invention of tradition" found in Neo-pagan religions in the US. I found it interesting that this same phenomenon, of trying to link back to a mythical past, also existed in Japan.

Specific areas touched upon are "Turning to the Gods in times of trouble," "Unifying Traditions, " "Born Shinto, Die Buddhist," "Individuals, Ascetics and Expressions of Power," "Sites and Sights," "Actions, Amulets and the Expression of Meaning," "Spirits, Satellites and a User-friendly Religion."

5.0 out of 5 stars Overall excellent book, February 6, 2011

By 

hannahtheham - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Religion in Contemporary Japan (Paperback)

I had to buy this book for my Japanese Religions class. I found it very informative and easy to read at times. All the statistics sounded fine and quite contemporary.