Religion or just a custom? Understanding religious recognition in contemporary Japan

This study examines the complex interplay between cultural and religious practices in contemporary Japan, particularly how young Japanese individuals perceive and categorize these activities. Despite Japan's rich religious traditions – including Shinto, Buddhism, and new religious movements – many Japanese refrain from identifying as religious. Using data from the 2022 Youth Attitudes Survey on Culture, Health, and Religion in Japan, this paper analyzes the religious and cultural activities of 751 individuals aged 18 to 45, focusing on their perceptions of religiosity. Findings indicate that while many respondents engage in traditional religious practices such as shrine visits, grave visits, and New Year's rituals, they frequently regard these activities as cultural customs rather than religious acts. Factor analysis identified three dimensions of religious recognition: (1) embedded religious and cultural practices, (2) personal and spiritual practices, and (3) family-oriented practices. Notably, individuals who frequently participate in religious activities are less likely to perceive them as religious, highlighting a paradox in religious self-identification. The study also explores the historical and linguistic factors shaping this phenomenon, particularly the Western-derived concept of “religion” (shūkyō 宗教), which has influenced Japanese understandings of spirituality. Additionally, regression analysis reveals that religious recognition influences attitudes toward the role of religion in society, with those recognizing embedded religious practices showing stronger support for preserving religious heritage and resisting state intervention in religious affairs. These findings contribute to broader discussions on secularization, cultural religion, and the evolving nature of religious identity in Japan. By reassessing how religious meaning is attributed in everyday life, this research challenges conventional categorizations of religiosity and offers new insights into the intersection of tradition, spirituality, and cultural continuity in contemporary Japanese society.