Japanese Religious Traditions

Why do Japanese people believe their island nation has heavenly origins?

• They believe it is a gift from the gods.

• They think it was created by ancient aliens.

• They believe that gods called kami inhabited Japan and were part of its creation.

• They believe it is the center of the universe.

Describe various ways in which kami are manifested.

• Kami inhabit this world in trees, mountains, holy people, the emperor, and anything else deemed sacred or powerful.

• Kami are only found in sacred texts and scriptures.

• Kami are exclusively represented by physical idols and statues.

• Kami are believed to exist only in the minds of the followers.

What happens on the fiftieth anniversary of a Japanese person’s death?

• The deceased is forgotten and not mentioned.

• The deceased is considered to be truly an ancestor in the Japanese tradition.

• A celebration is held in honor of the deceased's life.

• The family must perform a ritual to cleanse the spirit.

How do Japanese people prepare for the New Year?

• They clean their homes, especially their butsudan and kamidana.

• They decorate their homes with Christmas lights.

• They host a large family dinner with turkey and stuffing.

• They go on vacation to celebrate in a different country.

Describe what takes place on Hina Matsuri.

• Parents dress up male and female dolls in traditional Japanese court costumes.

• Families gather to eat special rice cakes and celebrate with fireworks.

• Children perform traditional dances and sing songs to honor their ancestors.

• People decorate their homes with cherry blossoms and lanterns.

How does the derivation of Shinto relate to kami?

• Shinto means 'the way of the kami' as the Japanese believed that the kami were everywhere.

• Shinto is a term that refers to the worship of ancestors in Japan.

• Shinto is derived from the Chinese term for 'spiritual enlightenment.'

• Shinto is a philosophy that emphasizes harmony with nature.

Describe the typical elements of Shinto worship.

• A purification rite involving washing of the hands, face, and mouth; prayer; and an offering, usually of money.

• A communal feast with traditional Japanese dishes and drinks.

• A meditation session focusing on personal reflection and mindfulness.

• A ceremonial dance performed by priests to honor the deities.

Briefly summarize the story of the heavenly gods Izanagi and Izanami.

• They created the first humans from clay and breathed life into them.

• They stirred up the brine of a watery earth with their sacred spear to create one of the islands that today make up Japan.

• They fought against the forces of chaos to bring order to the universe.

• They descended from the heavens to teach humanity the art of agriculture.

What was the traditional role of the emperor concerning indigenous Japanese religions?

• Japan’s rulers were believed to be direct descendants of the sun goddess, Amaterasu.

• The emperor was seen as a military leader with no religious significance.

• The emperor was considered a representative of the people, not a divine figure.

• The emperor had no role in indigenous Japanese religions.

What happened to Emperor Hirohito after World War II?

• He was executed by the Allies.

• He was forced to renounce his claim of divinity.

• He became a military leader in Japan.

• He was exiled to the United States.