Japan Pt 4

Time for another post about Japan this week I will share some facts like the population in 2025 is estimated to be approximately 123.1 million. It is the 12 most populous country in the world with a global rank of 12, the population density is 338 people per kilometre.

Japan’s population has been steadily declining since its peak around 2010 due to: low birth rates, high life expectancy and limited immigration. Over 28% of the population is aged over 65.

Now to Japan’s religious landscape is shaped by a unique blend of traditions, with Shinto and Buddhism as the two dominant faiths. Most Japanese people engage with both, often without exclusive affiliation.

Shinto means The Way of the Kami or the way of the Gods is Japan’s indigenous belief system, emphasizing harmony with nature, ancestor worship, and purification rituals. It lacks a founder, sacred texts, or rigid dogma.

Shinto shrines are common across Japan and serve as spiritual centres for festivals and life events.

Buddhism arrived in Japan from China and Korea in the 6th century. Multiple sects exist, including Zen, Pure Land, and Nichiren.

Surveys often show that 40–60% of Japanese identify as having “no religion”, but this typically reflects a lack of formal affiliation rather than disbelief. Many still participate in religious customs, festivals, and rituals for cultural or spiritual reasons.

Japan’s religious identity is fluid, ritual-cantered, and deeply intertwined with cultural life rather than doctrinal belief.

Now how about their flag, as I am sure most know it features a red circle on a white background, symbolizing the sun and most will know it reflects Japan’s identity as the Land of the Rising Sun.

The sun has been revered in Japan since ancient times, tied to the Shinto sun goddess Amaterasu, considered the mythical ancestor of the imperial family.