What Non-Religious Japanese People Actually Think About Faith
Most Japanese people describe themselves as non-religious . Yet every New Year’s Day, they visit shrines; at funerals, they bow before Buddhist altars; and at Christmas, they celebrate with cake. So, are they truly without faith? Not exactly. Religion in Japan doesn’t live in temples or scriptures — it lives quietly in daily rituals and unspoken sensibilities. And when a non-religious Japanese person meets someone who is deeply religious, their feelings are often… complicated. They may think, “Such purity of heart.” But also, “That kind of faith seems far from philosophical thinking.” As a Japanese observer, the author believes that this subtle duality — admiration mixed with distance — reveals the essence of Japan’s spiritual culture. 🕊️ Faithful People Appear Pure There is something beautifully clear about those who live by faith. When you see someone praying sincerely, it feels as if their heart is untouched by cynicism or ego. Their devotion is not rational — it’s in...