Japanese and Religion

The host, a former British National turned Japanese, explores the Kumano Kodo, a religious holy area for Japanese Shintoists and Buddhists. Around Part 2 and Part 3 there is alot of things about Shintoism.

Shintoism is a native Japanese religion, older than any major religion, which accepts any belief - whether it be Christian, Islamic, Jewish, or whatever. It means God's Path and is very open. If you believe Jesus is god, then that is your path. If you believe in yourself, you yourself is a god

Click to expand...

http://oniazuma.wordpress.com/2007/...anese-dont-know-the-kumano-kodo-ancient-path/

As for ceremonies, often, but not solely, Christianity is welcome for marriages, Buddhism for death (cementaries!) and Shinto for everyday life and wishes (oracles), so some Japanese say themselves. In no case you have to be a "member" to my knowledge.(I may be wrong thus, but thats how they told me)

Another statement from the last page is not quite right, that astrology is thrown out by christians, in contrary, see many older churches, they are full of astrological ornaments, circles and signs, even full floors (mosaics etc.). I have seen many myself in Italy and Switzerland for example.