Religion in Japan

While most Japanese do not practice religion regularly, 84% identify with more than one religion, mainly a combination of Buddhist and Shinto beliefs. Religion does not seem to be a main concern of many Japanese, but on certain occasions such as new years, matsuri or funerals, traditional rituals are performed by many who do not normally practice religion.

Like the US, Japan has freedom of religion, as well as separation of church and state contained in it's constitution. Consequently, as in the US as well, the reality is often more complicated. Soka Gakkai is a shinshuukyou, or "new religion" based off of Nichiren Buddhism. Founded in the 1930's, it is Japan's largest religious organization and since the 1960's has had questionable connections to the political process. The New Komeito party was created by Soka Gakkai in 1964, though now they are tecnically two sepperate organizations, many criticize New Komeito members for their connections to Soka Gakkai. Many Japanese people are suspicious of shinshuukyou religious, fearing cultist behavior and fundimentalism. Though Soka Gakkai is more or less a peaceful organization, other, more strange groups have given the public reason to fear some new religions. An obvious example is Aum Shinrikyo, the doomsday cult that carried out the 1995 sarin nerve gas attacks in Tokyo.Survey on religion
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