Religion in Japan: what they believe, how they see Christianity and Muslim? 

2024 Latest Santi's Video →Santi's Seminar #2 : How to Understand Japanese men and women　ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-n6Gkz7PqXiA.html

OMG!, new video., I am binge watching your vids. Thank you.

Thank you so much Santi san for discussing on my topic! Really2 appreciate it. No BS!! Dont worry youre still my fav guy and your channel is still the best! 🥰 I believe all religions promotes peace. The ones you mentioned are the extremist. Some are too extreme they were blinded by something else and tend to be bias. And use religion as excuse/for personal reasons to enable to do something wrong. Thats what i think. People needs to really understand the true meaning/understanding in religious teachings intead of follow blindly. I dont have further questions. I understood everything from your pov! Thank you! 😊

Wow he's English has gone a lot better the last time I watched his video

Awesome video like always santi👌

Thanks for sharing your opinion Santi. I watched the movie “Silence” from martin scorsese. That’s movie was good, deep and it moved me, because I’m Catholic. I really want to visit to Nagasaki some day, because most of the Japanese people are Catholic there. By the way I love Buck Tick 😄🥰

That music video from X Japan was awesome! I need to look more into them.

I saw this video from my algorithm and appreciate the no BS. I hope one day you no longer fear to say anything about this topic. Good Job.

Thank you for this video. I’ll be watching a lot more of your videos. I’m a Christian American who is highly interested in moving to Japan and I found this video to be very informative

12:05, cracked me up, i apologies in there behalf and this is my first time on your channel, hmm.... i did learnt a lot, and i do understand your perspective. thank you for the video

Thanks so much for your video! I’m a Catholic Christian and was very curious about the subject. It was very informative!

Santi san....ur videos...I believe some....I learned some...and I smile and laugh most of the time...Thank you...Ur my stress -reliever .

Christianity also have different factions, their common belief is Jesus is Lord. But their practice are different from one another😁 It's really a complicated topic especially if some don't respect other people's belief. So thumbs up, not offending others. Religion will not save anyone, but their Faith and actions

Hi, Santi-san. I enjoy learning language and culture, and currently I'm learning Japanese in my leisure time (well, Kanji is quite challenging though😆). So, thank you for your videos, they could broaden my perspective of Japanese people and culture. Btw I'm muslim, from Indonesia. Allow me to share some things that they're actually taught in the Al-Qur'an/Koran (the holy scripture) about "lakum dinukum waliyadin" (means "to embrace MY OWN religion firmly and in the same time respect OTHERS'/YOUR religion/belief") and "laa ikkra hafiddin" (means "there is no compulsion in dien/Islam"), also said in surah Al-Maidah verse 32 that "if you kill (even just) single soul -unless as a punishment for murder or mischief in the land-it will be as if they killed all of humanity". So, I can assure you that if muslims truly follow their religion, there will only be mercy, respect, and peace. Those who claim to be muslims then kill unjustly or force others in the name of Islam are simply worshiping/following their own God, namely their own lust for power or ego, misguided. I mention this cuz I heard you briefly said about terrorist thing, if I'm not misheard🙏. Then, what I'm going to ask you, Santi-san, is this: If Japanese friend ask me to drink alcohol, what do you suggest me to say to politely refuse it? (Cuz it's not allowed in Islam to drink alcohol) The other thing is we, muslims, have to pray (shalat) 5 times a day (5-10 minutes for each pray). What could Japanese companies possibly think of this matter? Would they allow their muslim employees to pray? I'm curious. Thanks.

Well,someone didn't like my older comment so a channel friendly comment I LOVE JAPAN,and i am in love of its culture,plz don't let anything takeover it,this is my only humble request to my fellow japanese friends 👍

That with the cars with loud speakers, i guess is just a Japanese thing, i never heard that anywhere else in the world is like that :) I'm from Europe and i have one very good friend from Tokyo who is Christian Orthodox, also, great guy!

Gosh,religion is one of the most sensitive topics for me too) As many people in my country my family believes in God and we consider ourselves as muslims but we don’t follow all islam rules( we do some religious staff as celebrating some religious holidays and that’s it) For example, we are not covered, we can wear whatever we want, we can drink alcohol and eat pork if we want. So when I am abroad and people ask me about my religion I feel hesitated not knowing what to answer😂 I feel like “do I have a right to call myself a muslim or not”. I was brought up just with main ideas like try to be kind and nice to everyone, don’t harm anyone, love your family, try to do something useful for your country and humanity, be honest with you and others and so on. Personally, I think that’s the main point of all religions.

ね Santi~ :) how often do you think is ok to text a japanese guy when you're still getting to know each other? I mean I don't want to sound desperate when I'm not! I met a Japanese guy also on his 30s through an app. I told him that I don't want to hook-up or have a romance right away. He said it was fine so we went out for coffee as "friends first". It was nice. I want to know him more. He lived in America a few years so could tell that he was open minded and understanding of my straight forward, blunt and independent personality (Santi, are you my male version?). We don't live in the same city. so here goes another question: how often do you think is ok to meet for coffee or hang out? I can tell he doesn't want to be pushy but at the same time if it's me asking I might sound desperate... We both live in Japan. I would appreciate your input お願いします. I reaaally like your videos.

I have been reading about religion recently and was surprised to find that some of Japanese gods (4 of the "Seven Gods of Fortune") are similar to Hindu gods. Benzaitensama (Sarasvati), Bishamon (Vaiśravaṇa or Kubera), Daikokuten (Mahākāla/Shiva), and Kichijōten (Lakshmi). And there are a few more... Btw, awesome videos Santi-san. I'm binge watching.

huhu love you!

Thanks for the video on religion in Japan. It is surprising to know that a million+ religion is in Japan.

Thanks for explaining this sensitive topic. As a Muslim I have never felt anything bad from Japanese, some even comment on my hijab かっこいい！ and a man asked me some questions from curiosity. It's sad that some people and media are spreading hate & wrong ideas about Islam. Yes I also care about logic so I used to search a lot that if I didn't find reasons and answers for my questions I change it About the halal restaurants and food yess! There are even quick halal meals for emergency cases in Japan now ^^ I think some Japanese consider certain things as a culture not a religion for example visiting the shrine every new year.. etc correct me if I'm wrong. Ah I came back to add a small note wearing black/white is actually a stearotype and it is a" culture" in just some Arab gulf countries , Muslims wear colourful clothes in the rest of countries ~

Wow...incredible that I was just watching a review on the movie Silence (Liam Neeson, Andrew Garfield) when the this video's notification came...ok, i dont mean any disrespect to any religion or culture by dropping the movie title here. I'm just amazed at the coincidence that i was just watching a movie with a plot that dealt with christianity and and japanese culture (not even sure if the events depicted in the movie were real or pure artistic depiction) in the distant past...and then this is our topic tonight. It's like a premonition...ok im rambling nonsense again😶

I am not Japanese, so I am by no means an expert, but I have made a casual of study of religions in Japan (mostly iShinto and Buddhism), both historically and in modern times. As you said, if you asked most Japanese if they are religious, the answer will probably be no. But they engage in activities that could be considered "religious", such as praying at shrines to pass exams, honoring ancestors, etc. I think "Shukyo" has connotations of religions like Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, because when Christian missionaries first came to Japan, the Japanese had to show what their religion (shukyo) was. I would say the Japanese are more spiritual than religious. Kami are everywhere, ghost stories abound, and there are numerous temples and shrines.

11:48 I believe in Proverbs 27:14, it actually says something to the effect of “Don’t wake up your neighbors early in the morning with a shout of “Good morning!” They will treat it like a curse, not a blessing.“ As a Christian, I think the same general rule applies. Fine, share the gospel, but don’t loudly disturb the public. It’s kinda paints a bad picture.

Multiple questions. If there are over 180,000 religions in Japan, yet not many followers (according to stats), what is there to worry about, how powerful can they really be? Do you think Japanese people lie about not following a religion? Is “shinto” even classed as a an actual “religion” to Japanese people? Or is it more of a general belief that is accepted amongst all?

Same here in the Philippines, many are reading the Bible on the streets, some are louds, some also walk up inside the Bus, I am a Christian also but what I feel? They should be in a proper place like they should invite a Non- Believer at the Church instead of doing those things

i´m a christian and i laughed so hard during the whole video loved it, learned a lot and u are really funny it was worth 34 minutes thx for the video

About surveys: I think there is a huge difference between "I have a religion", "I go to temple" and " I really believe in that". Sometimes there is no connection between these 3 groups of people. "I have religion" means you identify yourself as someone who has a religion(some people saying "yes" because of they consider religion as a culture identity, or they can say "no" because they don't think their religion is not religion), "I go to temple/church" means you just go there. There are a lot of reasons why people go to temples: it's social tradition, they do like their families do, or they really believe they have to do it. And "I really believe in that" is when you 100% serious about you have money because god of money sent you money(for example), or you believe Jesus loves you and you start teach your kids like that after they said their first word. Every religion has rituals and kind of philosophy. But the key point of religion is: are people 100% serious about god(s) affect their life every single day or not. Example: I know some people who identify themselves like Christians just because they accept a possibility(!) of god existence and agree with some of The Ten Commandments without even following them. So self-identification or following rituals sometimes not connected to faith. Surveys are tricky

Hey Santi I have another question this time with detail😅, I'm Mexican-American living in Texas and I want to live in Japan one day. And I wanna know how do the Japanese community see Mexicans 🇲🇽. I really hope you can answer this question and may great things come your way Santi.

Ah Religion can divide people, just look at here in the Philippines, people are divided because of that religion. My point, as long as we believe in God, it's up to us how we will Worship Him. We Christians can share the Word of God but what I hate, some groups force others to join their Organizations. Anyway, that's another topic!! God gave us free will, so I think no one has the right to impose his/her belief on others. Thanks, Santi- San for sharing this sensitive topic, it's very informative 😉

Agree, some religions are better or worse than others, but it's crucial to distinguish an actual religion, which is based on a historical tradition, from a cult of personality.

Nice

1. For most people, the native religion(s) are probably a better/best choice for them if they consider religion something they wish to think about a bit (and you/one/anyone does not have to think about if unless they feel a need in life to do so). You have more ways to understand the local religion(s) of your own culture, than a foreign one with different mindset and culture. This is not an exclusive comment (people do convert to other religions and do so successfully) but in general it is easier approach. On this basis for example Christian nations tend to do well supporting Christianity and Islamic being Muslims. For Japan equally, it's probably a better approach following the traditional festivals eg Buddhist festival or Shinto festival at the appropriate times of the year. 2. The negative side of religion is the proselyzing and political aspects imho. Hence the pragmatic approach as per the Japanese who are not interested in talking about it is a good approach ie leave it to be more personal. The loud speakers and converting example given is a good example of the negative approach of religions becoming too cult-like ie the concept of multiplying becomes more important to the believers than the beneficial aspects of the religion to make people better people ie better values in their lives. 3. My personal opinion concerning "kami" is better to interpret this as "spirit" as opposed to the English word "God". The reason for this is 2 things: 1. God is so over-used by so many people in so many different ways where each believes their definition is the de facto one that it is confusing and counter-productive to use this word. If people want to use that word for their religion by all means do so, but don't apply it to others. 2. Spirit imho is more accurate as well as more practical eg 1. in avoiding unnecessary conflation because spirit can be interpreted to be Many and that's how Shinto works with many spirits or "kami" everywhere. In presenting the above information, I hope it is helpful to all people in their own lives as constructive considerations. Secondly, it is my personal opinion that Japan has little need of external religions and has a successful synthesis of it's own for the people of Japan: Shintoism, Buddhism and some Confucian principles and within those Tao and Zen. Of those, Shintoism has green shoots for an even more positive future influence on Japan which I look forward to seeing happen.

Thank you so much for this video Santi! Japan is such a good example and only supports my belief that religion is not needed to be a good person or to make good decisions that will support and benefit everyone to live in peace. Although religion may give comfort to some, ultimately it is our individual actions that either make a better world or not. ❤️

I heard about the subway train attacks in the 1990s where members of a certain religion put toxic gas in train

I respect every individual's religion but especially with the believer groups of Abrahamic religions sometimes, I feel quite uneasy because of how domineering, pushy or controlling they can be. I am personally from a Muslim majority country and you can't believe how bad the social pressure, controlling attitude, being free to do what you want only if you are ok with the "repercussions" things can get especially in more conservative regions/societies. I have had it much easier but some of my friends got traumatized so bad from stuff like that that they fucked up their lives so bad and needed years of therapy. Though for the last 10 years or so, people in my country got so fed up that they are leaving religion left and right. People for example feel completely entitled to force your way of life into their mold just for the sake of it. If he lives like that believing this and that, you have to do the same. But when you ask they would say there is no pressure in religion aha yeah sure my ass...

I am an Eastern Orthodox Christian. I would like to visit Nikolaido parish in Tokyo. Are you familiar with it?

I think the reason maybe why some people view it as scary is because the message is supposed to pierce your soul, there is a bible verse that says Hebrews 4:12 NIV For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. I am a believer in Christ and I had moments in my life where hearing the word of God made me scared, because it feels eternal. Because it is, it's supposed to disrupt the comfortability of your soul, of your mind, to one that is yearning for eternal life, that can only come from Jesus.

I just discovered your channel! Onegai ga arimasu! Waisetsu (dirty language) o tskawanai yo ni kudasai! Yoroshiku Onegai shimasu! Thank you young man!

"I am the Way, I am the Truth, and I am the Life. Nobody comes unto the Father but by Me" - Jesus Christ According to him, hes the only way to heaven.

23:40 you start to talk about the concept of doubt and bring it into religion to make us question and ponder upon our belief. In case you didn’t know Islam is unlike any religion on earth. It is based on logic and evidences. We’re not blind followers. The Quran was sent to humanity 1400 years ago, and yet contains scientific and historic miracles which have recently been discovered due to modern technology and science. For example, Allah talks about the expansion of the universe in Quran 51:47. This was mentioned 1400 years ago, and this was the greatest intellectual revolution of the 20th century, the Quran mentions embryology, black holes, geographic phenomena’s etc.The amount of evidences I could type up right now, but it will look like an essay.

X Japan is awesome! I saw them live at MSG I was always wondering about Toshi’s story. My Japanese friends said he was brain washed by his wife who was into the religion

31:41 😂 I support your decision, please don't risk your life for your subscribers hahah I'm also a fan of logic, but I'm glad that japanese people respect all religions Well explained👏🏼👏🏼

The Christians that you talking about that loudly read the bible are called Evangelical Christians. There trying to speak to people to get their attentions and to evangelize them. Not all Christians are like that. It just depends on the specific person.

How about you,santi, what's your religion???

I’m catholic and you make sense

Bottom line: they don't believe in the ten commandments, not even respecting your elders because I saw so much rudeness in Tokyo I was astonished

Hey Santi, first time I came across your channel, I've been interested in Japan and recently religion in Japan, as I'm a Christian, this video was so informative, it's unfortunate to see religious people taking advantage of other people and find it funny yet very disturbing how Christians will have bible verses loud in the streets in their cars for the whole world to hear lol, my goal right now is to have people in Japan hear the gospel message, that you guys can relate to, such as having harmony with one another, and also take away views like "don't question" or "give me money" and just putting it in their faces, as I think it not only hurts the religion but is also contrary to it, and I want people to know the authentic belief system of Christianity and that it's okay to question and doubt and Christianity is Ultimately about seeking truth

religion is divided to two categories " monotheistic" and " polytheistic", and monotheistic religions are not the same, islam has the most strict unique perspective about god, it's not just worshipping one god, it's about characteristics, god doesn't have a begining or have any comparable beings, he's totally unique, anything that you can imagine or measure, that thing or that entity is not god, you can describe the view of god in islam through the concept of infinity, it doesn't have a begining or an end, so it's not measurable, if it has end or a begining it's not infinite, it's finite, the creation is finite, why it's finite, the answer is because it has begining so they're are not god

That explains why Japanese go to temples, offer food and are getting upset when not handing chopsticks well. And handling the death. So even saying that they are not religious, Japanese traditions say otherwise.

Yup, japanese people in general dont even realize that they ve been following the religion teaching in their whole life. I think, the comparison is like when somebody from usa is talking about how that person aint religion but christian (i think somebody below has mentioned something about it too). But how about the topic about death/the afterlife? Or, like the topic about religion (like the purpose of life, The Creator) but without mentioning the word "religion" itself? What would the japanese in general say? And what do you believe about the purpose of life, the beginning of universe and the afterlife tho? Me, as modern person and muslim. I think, its easier for us to understand islam since modern science. Around 200 latest scientific facts have been mentioned in the quran, a book from 1400 years ago. If it was only one, two or five, we can apply the word "coincide". The things like: - how the heaven and the earth were joined together and being separated. - how life comes from water. - how the heaven is expanding. - how the skin ll be replaced so, the bad people ll keep to feel the pain of hellfire (since the pain receptors re on the skin as we know today). - etc around 200. Those have been discovered just couple decades ago, when the quran has been mentioning em since 1400 years ago. My logic says, this book cant be coming from none but The Creator of universe The All Knowing. Like, how could an illiterate in a desert knew all of those 1400 years ago? That person didnt claim to be God. But the messenger of The Creator The All Knowing. What do you think?

What is a Shinto wedding like

This video had me laughing. As a Christian I found it super funny about the cars.

the scary scripture preaching is probably "fire and brimstone" "hell is hot" "you're on your way to hell without god" scare tactics occasionally preached in churches, at least in the denomination I was in before I stopped caring. I know your pain and I'm sorry to hear that is happening in such an extreme to you and your people. I love Japan and I hate that.

LETS HOPE THAT CHRISTIANITY WILL NEVER BE ABLE TO DESTROY THE WONDERFUL BUDDHISTIC AND SHINTOISTIC CULTURE OF THIS UNIQUE LAND JAPAN.

Actions speak louder than words! If someone is interested in a religion, you don’t have to be too loud about it and try to shove it down someone’s ears! It does the complete opposite and scares people off! It’s almost as if some want to force their religion on you. It is quite selfish in a way, out of so many religions out in the world, those people who do that, are practically saying that you’re wrong and only they are right. It’s very rude and hurtful, inconsiderate.

Islamic/Arab morals are very similar to the morals of Japan. This is one of the biggest reasons why Japanese society really fits with me and makes me feel more at home rather than in European countries.

Santi, what is your honmei? Real name? Taksan no shukkyo ga arum des kedo, Shinri to yu no wa, hitotsu shika arimasen! Sunawachi Yesu kristo wa osshaimashita “WATASHI WA MICHI DE ARI, SHINRI DE ARI, INOCHI NA NO DES TO”” John 14:6 SEISHO ( The Bible) !!

I have people came up to me and say how do you get a girlfriend? I told them that God has a plan. God have a plan for me and when I was truly broken, God had accepted me for who I am.

I don't like loud religion, no offense!!! I feel scary as well. No offense!!! Thank you for the information!!!

Yet again people love satanic cults and practice them and then tore statues down because they hat God. I am proud to be a Christian and proud to say that I love women because God created women for men for a reason and all of these Gods are created from Angel's called Nephilhim. Nephilhim were giants and Gods from the bible.

This is not new. Since ancient times, when you confront people with the Truth, you have a huge part of the people who doesn't want to talk or deal with that. We, the humans beings, are actually fallen corrupted creatures full of injustices, wickedness, lies and iniquity. All have the same problem, since the fall of Adam. You really think you are a good person? If you says yes, you have a huge problem. We said many lies across all our life. We steal something even something little small or without "importance". We fall in sexual inmorality, like having sex before marrige or cheat your wife/husband, watch pornography, look other people with lust and corrupted desires in the streets or social media, etc. We also may hate someone in your heart, that's equal to be a killer in the eyes of God. This things I mention before, are actually part of the Law of God, the 10 commandments, the moral Law of God, and WE BROKE the Law of God many many times. We are guilty to did many crimes against God and our neighbors, we are sinners, criminals. God is Holy, Good and Just, and He hates our human wickedness and evil and He punish all the wicked actions of humans, without exception. God is going to do a judgement on every human being, the Final Day of Judgement. In that jugdment we are totally guilty of all our crimes and we deserve all the Holy Warth of God, we deserve the punishment, hell, the eternal condenation. And we can't escape from that destiny, all deserve the same thing, and we can't do anything to change, we are totally lost for ever. However here is the breakpoint. God is also very very Merciful and God knows we don't have any salvation. God the Father send His Son LORD Jesus to save us. The God of Israel Himself becomes a human being, Jesus of Nazareth, and He die for us He die for our sins. LORD Jesus in the cross takes all the warth and punishment what we deserve for our sins, and He die in our place, He die for us for our sins. LORD Jesus paid the debt what we have with the infinite Justice of God. By His Grace we are save, not by any human work of us because we only deserve the hell and condenation. That's why when you believe in LORD Jesus and His person, and His work of Salvation and Redemption you have salvation, redemption, forgiveness of sins, eternal life and reconciliation with God only by LORD Jesus. LORD Jesus was dead but He rose at the 3rd day and He is now sit at the right hand of God His Father in heavens but LORD Jesus is coming back soon to the Earth as the Supreme Judge and He is going to put an end to all the wickedness of the humans beings including yours. That's why we said to all of you, in love and Truth, repent of your sins and wickedness, and believe in LORD Jesus and His Gospel and follow Him, and leave all the evil actions you do, leave the sinful life you have right now, God hates evil, and sins only destroy us. Without Christ you don't have nothing and you are lost for ever. Remember this: if you day, after that you are going to the Judgement of God. If don't believe amd follow LORD Jesus, after that Judgement you are going to the eternal condenation, the eternal suffer without an end, there is no return. And you could die today at any moment, you never know. That's why with a huge sense of urgency and with all seriously mind, take the message of the Gospel, your life and soul depends of this, you are now in great danger. Without Christ Jesus you are actually lost for ever and the eternal condenation is at the door. Come to Christ, He is our only Savior and Hope, for japanese people and the entire rest os the world. Blessings to all of you and your family, greetings from Chile 🇨🇱🙋

Buddhism and Shinto were liberal...

Abrahamic religions dominated enough of the world, telling people they'll go to hell if they don't believe. Evangelicals are told to go out and preach the gospel. Very domineering.

since beggining God already exist and so He made this earth and all the living things here on earth.. religion is not important to God only by believing in Him ,trust and faith in Him the bond should be closed.. He only sees our hearts and our deeds ..the wicked ones should be punished according to the will of God.. and one more thing only by accepting Jesus Christ as our dear God will have eternal life ..

what do you think about samurai bushido and mujahideen jihad?

12:15 yeah protestants are very loud and annoying haha

I support anyone's willingness to abandon reason for faith as a fundamental right. But imposing that life-choice on others is unacceptable; otherwise, you ultimately enable and condone oppression, corruption, and destruction of civil society and tolerance.

👌😁🙏🇮🇳

Nice topic Santi San! Good Job Shoguns of Japan for suppressing the Jesuits lol👍 Yeah, life is not about God/s and religion, it's about respect, it's about harmony of people's thoughts.. Lol you're Visual Kei lover too, I also like X-Japan, the God father of Visual Kei. Well as you can see my DP(Miku Kobato) is Band-Maid(Japan), the singer of this band had sang an X-Japan song with Yoshiki playing the piano🤘🎸 By the way try listening to Nemophila, great all female band from your home country 🗾

All the religions of the world teach human beings about humanity and love. But Islam teaches human beings about cruelty.

My religion is Jojo's Bizzare Adventure

Personally, I sincerely believe that if people in Asia wish to pursue religion, they should pursue their traditional and cultural inheritance and not adopt these exotic cults, sects, and values. My honest opinion is that Christianity is incompatible with Japanese culture, as it is incompatible with most Confucian cultures in Asia.

Love transcends emotion.