Religion The roles of religion Confucian basis of universal, but non-religious

values Buddhism’s lingering guidance in life and death Shinto’s lingering guidance in birth and life Christianity’s disproportionate influence The search for meaning and a group in new

religions

Religion

• Reflect on whether religion plays a significant role in shaping behavior and enriching life in Japan.

The roles of religion

The search for meaning, spirituality, and salvation

A foundation of universal values, ethics, and rituals

The need for community or groups

Confucian basis of universal, but non-religious values

A secular philosophy of social order and ethics--not a religion

Premodern (Tokugawa period) establishment

Replacement in science, economics and politics by Western rationality

Continuing basis of Japanese social order

Buddhism’s lingering guidance in life and death

Mahayana varieties: esoteric (monastic), salvation, zen

Premodern and modern suppression and use for family registration

Living museums and funeral enriched monks

Influence throughout Japanese life

Shinto’s lingering guidance in birth and life

The creation and destruction of a state religion

Life’s rituals Community festivals Reverence for

nature and purity

Christianity’s disproportionate influence

Historic growth and extermination

Bundled with modernization and Westernization

Offerings: individualism, clarity of ethics, charity, education, rituals

The search for meaning and a group in new religions 180,000 varieties 6 million in Soka Gakkai The significance of Aum Shinrikyo’s extremism?

Sumo do, Sumo don’t (Shiko funjatta)1. When the two sumo wrestlers go to recruit others wrestlers,

why does the experienced sumo wrestler not have to wear the mawashi (sumo jockstrap)?

2. Why does the new pro-wrestler Cutie Haruo have to dress like a girl?

3. The tatemae of the Kyoritsu sumo club is their participation in the tournament like all other clubs. What is the honne of the sumo club?

4. What will determine whether the male star (of the film) graduates from University?

5. Briefly explain the conflict between continuity and change expressed in this film?

6. Choose one character to explain the relationship between the individual and the group.

7. Does Smiley understand Japanese religion?