Why Do Japanese Insist on Calling Themselves Non-religious?

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If you ever ask a Japanese person about their religion, I bet that most people (including myself) would answer that they don't practice any religions.
According to a survey taken in 2018 by the ISSP (International Social Survey Programme), about 62% of Japanese people answered that they don’t have a religion they believe in.
As I’ve explained in my video about the philosophies of the tea ceremony, talking about religions is considered a taboo in Japan in the first place, along with topics about money and politics.

But doesn’t it seem like a contradiction that most Japanese still do the new year’s greetings (and many other ceremonies) at shrines, funerals at temples, weddings at churches, and even celebrate Christmas, Valentines, and Halloween?

Why do most people in Japan say they are not religious?

So today, I will explain about the history of religions in Japan by breaking it down into 5 points.

1. The introduction of Buddhism and the beginning of Shintoism
2. The 6 new Buddhism sects
3. The exclusion of Buddhism and introduction of Confucianism
4. Shintoism deifies the emperor
5. Shintoism is excluded from education

At the end of the video after introducing the history, I will state 3 of my opinions about today’s main question:

“Is Japan really non-religious or not?”

This video will be perfect for those studying about Japanese history and religions, and also may help you with your communication with Japanese people.

[Time codes]
0:00 Let's START!
2:13 1. The introduction of Buddhism and the beginning of Shintoism
5:55 2. The 6 new Buddhism sects
8:48 3. The exclusion of Buddhism and introduction of Confucianism
14:44 4. Shintoism deifies the Emperor
18:41 5. Shintoism is excluded from education
19:46 Is Japan really non-religious?
24:10 Today's conclusion

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