The Effect of Religion in Japan

Speaking generally, almost all Japanese people do not practice religions compared with other countries, even though there are impacts on the Japanese culture. Actually the Japanese are scared of or have bad images of religion these days. However, they cannot be able to say they do not have religions because their culture is affected by them. There are three main religions, which are Buddhism, Shintoism, and Confucianism. Each of them has different gods and faiths, but Japanese people mix them, and they infiltrate their lives.

Most Japanese people believe in Buddhism from the old era, so it influences them most strongly. For example, in funeral, they follow the rules of Buddhism. They wear black clothes and have prayer beads. The women put on pearl necklaces in addition. A monk is called to the ceremony and he chants a Buddhist sutra. A large people in attendance are crying but most of them do not understand what the monk is saying, actually. They spend two hours or more imaging that he is praying for a person who passed away. Also, Japanese people believe there are special worlds which are Paradise and Hell after they die. Especially the existence of Oni, which is a monster living in hell impacts their life. It is big, has two horns, the skin color is red or blue, and it wears boxers printed with a panther. It appears in many Japanese children’s stories. Most of the time, it means that “If you do something wrong, Oni will appear and eat you!” Buddhism has an effect on the Japanese from the smallest mind to the biggest ceremony.

Shinto has also been believed from feudal span by the most of Japanese. This faith is regarding every single thing, such as big trees or small stones, as the god. Japanese people generally respect everything, so they think things should be used carefully. They do not want to waste too many resources compared to other countries. Therefore, the dishes in Japanese restaurants are