Religion in Japan

Religion in Japan Fast Facts

• Shinto 83.9%
• Buddhism 71.4%
• Christianity 2%
• Other 7.8%
• Note: total adherents exceeds 100% because many people belong to both Shintoism and Buddhism

Summary of Religion in Japan

Religion in Japan is characterized by syncretism; meaning, most people identify with more than one religion and sometimes combine more than two. Religions that are commonly synced include Shinto and Buddhism.

These religions aren’t necessarily alternately practiced, but it is common for them to be interwoven.

Most Japanese, however, don’t identify with any religion at all. According to recent studies, over 60% of people in Japan say they are atheists.

Other than syncretism, other religions are present in Japan, including Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Sikhism.

Sources

CIA Factbook