Religion

   

     It's said that Japanese people are poltheistic. For example, we believe in Shinto, Buddhism, and Christianity, etc. But we don't care about what religion we believe.  We incorporate elements of various religions in a syncretic  fashion known as sinbutsusyugo (神仏習合). Most people believe in Shinto and Buddhism in Japan. Small Shinto altars are found in many homes.My family also believe in Shinto and Buddhism.

☞These pictures are from my parents' home.


☞This is a household alter. We call it kamidana. (神棚) . A God is worshipped here. Sometimes we put out little plates of something like fruits and vegetables here. In particular, during the end of the year and the New year we put out rice cakes, sake (we call it omiki), etc. And we have to exchange it every morning and evening. We pray before breakfast and dinner. This is one of my family's traditional customs.