Handbook of Contemporary Japanese Religions (Brill Handbooks on Contemporary Religion, 6)

"Representing work by some of the leading scholars in the field, this volume presents important topics in the religious environment of contemporary Japan by surveying exciting trends, religious change and innovation, and the interactivity of religion with market and global forces"--Provided by publisher. Contents List of Illustrations List of Contributors Preface Part I Orientations Religious Contexts and Patterns in Contemporary Japan Japanese Survey Data on Religious Attitudes, Beliefs, and Practices in the Twenty-First Century The Concepts of Religion and Religious Studies in Transcultural Contexts, with a Focus on Japan Part II Transformations within Japan’s Religious Traditions Shintō Shrines: Traditions and Transformations Contemporary Buddhist Priests and Clergy Christianity in Contemporary Japanese Society Money and the Temple: Law, Taxes and the Image of Buddhism Voices for the Dead: Priestly Incantations and Grave Discussions Re-Imagining Buddhist Women in Contemporary Japan Part III Religious Responses to Social Change The Postwar Constitution and Religion New Religions in Japan: Adaptations and Transformations in Contemporary Society Sōka Gakkai in Japan Ambiguous Identities: Negotiating Christianity and ‘Japaneseness’ Reconstructing Priestly Identity and Roles and the Development of Socially Engaged Buddhism in Contemporary Japan Buddhist Environmentalism in Contemporary Japan ‘Fine Words Indeed’: Yasukuni and the Narrative Fetishism of War From the ‘Tradition’ to a Choice: Recent Developments in Mortuary Practices Part IV Spirituality and Religion for a New Age Theosophy and Related Movements in Japan The Rise of the New Spirituality Petto Kuyō: Changing Views of Animal Spirits in Contemporary Japan Celebrity Fortunes: Defining ‘Religion’ in the Post-Aum Era Zen Art: Pure Gesture, Nationalist Aesthetic, or Nothing at All? Widely Read Writings on Religion in Contemporary Japan: Popular Books on Religious Issues, ‘Spiritual Literature’ and Literary Works with Religious Themes Contemporary Household Altars Religion and Manga Index Representing work by some of the leading scholars in the field, the chapters of this handbook survey the transformation and innovation of religious traditions and practices in contemporary Japan. Readers will find lively scholarly studies about changes in the traditional institutions of Buddhism and Shinto, vivid examples of social activism as well as the so-called “new religions,” examination of the relationship between religion and the state, and analysis of the religiosity of individuals encompassed by “spirituality,” pilgrimage and tourism, and the marketing of religions. This groundbreaking collection of scholarly papers helps to map out the fascinating complexity and dynamism of religion in contemporary Japanese society and culture. Representing Work By Some Of The Leading Scholars In The Field, The Chapters In This Handbook Survey The Transformation And Innovation Of Religious Traditions And Practices In Contemporary Japan.