291 pages
Religion in Contemporary Japan
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Religion in Contemporary Japan Paperback – April 1, 1991
by Ian Reader (Author)
4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 20 ratings
4.0 on Goodreads
61 ratings
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.
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- Ian READER, Religion in Contemporary Japon. London: Macmillan Press Led, 1991.
- Winston Davis, Japanese Religion and Society: Paradigms of Structure and Change. Albany: State University of New York Press, 1992.
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The publication of Religion in Contemporary Japon and Japanese Religion and Society is a most welcome event for scholars interested in Japanese spirituality, particularly for those of us who reside in Japan.
Both books address the world of Japanese religion in which we live and are part of--even as non Japanese residents of this country-with the explicit aim of presenting an overall view of the subject.
At a time when increased specialization has resulted in a growing number of works that deal only with limited aspects of the held, it is in-deed-to use a Japanese term-arigatai that scholars dare to reflect upon the knowledge they have gathered and "provide a comprehensive picture of the place, workings, and perspectives of religion in contemporary society and in the lives of Japanese people" (READER, p. xiv), so that "when readers put the book down, they will have a deeper knowledge of Japanese society and culture in general, and possibly even deeper insight into the nature of religion itself* (DAVIS, p. 1).
The value of the works is only increased by the fact that both Reader and Davis are academics who have done their homework as far as specific, in depth research is concerned.
This reviewer happened to be on furlough in Europe when he read these volumes. Perhaps this accounts for the fact that I found them far more welcome reading than monographs on subjects often far removed from the interests of nonspecialists. Scholars on subjects relating to Japan are often asked to
"explain" the secrets of Japanese society and culture, and it is quite pleasant to be able to say, "Well, you might find something in these volumes I just happened to read.
Ian Reader's overview of religion in Japan focuses upon its contemporary forms and looks in particular at religious behavior and the ways in which religious themes are found in the lives of ordinary people.
Based upon direct observation and participation during the years the author resided in the country, Reader succeeds in conveying the atmosphere - one of prayer and of laughter, as he correctly points out -in which religious action is performed in Japan.
After two introductory chapters on the major themes and framework of Jap.
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From the United States
Zack Davisson
HALL OF FAME
5.0 out of 5 stars The best primer available - highly readable
Reviewed in the United States on August 14, 2003
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"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."
18 people found this helpful
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S. Smith
5.0 out of 5 stars I'd recommend this book for anyone interested in understanding the Japanese ...
Reviewed in the United States on December 31, 2015
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I first heard Ian Reader on an interview on NPR and this is the first book of his that I've read. At this point I'm about 1/2 way through the book. I'd recommend this book for anyone interested in understanding the Japanese Culture. This is a view of the way the Japanese think of religion and full of info I don't think I would have found otherwise. It's well written and surprisingly easy to read for what one would think of as a very dry subject.
3 people found this helpful
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hannahtheham
5.0 out of 5 stars Overall excellent book
Reviewed in the United States on February 6, 2011
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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.
One person found this helpful
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United States on March 11, 2016
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Good
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From other countries
rºº
5.0 out of 5 stars Very useful and interesting
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 20, 2013
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(Sorry, English is not my first language, but I’ll try to make myself clear). It's very well written and interesting. It explores the field of religions very thoroughly and clearly and it enters some interesting matters. Despite the fact that it was written in the 80’, it feels brand new.
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真実
3.0 out of 5 stars これと言って
Reviewed in Japan on January 18, 2013
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目新しい内容は無い。もう少し学術的な内容かと思って購入したが、当たり前のことばかりなので、購入を後悔してます。
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