Religion in Japan

Japanese flag


Tori gate


Buddhist statue


Buddhist statue

Religion in Japan Fast Facts

Links go to the ReligionFacts main page for that religion.

• 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.

Links for Religion in Japan

• Shinto
• Buddhism Beliefs
• Buddhism Deities
• Buddhism Fast Facts
• Christianity Beliefs
• All religions comparison chart

Return to Religion by Country index page.

Sources

CIA Factbook