Introduction

Themes of Japanese religions It is difficult to describe Japanese religion using one-dimensional, abstract concepts. The phenomena associated with Japanese religion vary consider­ ably according to historical, regional and other socio-cultural factors. To characterize it using the keywords from different academic disciplines, however, it is polytheistic, using a term derived from religious studies, and animistic, in an anthropological perspective. The unity and diversity of the various polytheistic religions associated with Japanese society is the main theme of this book.1 I use both historical and anthropological approaches and my description and analysis rely basically on my own fieldwork rather than on philosophical speculation or bibliographical study. I analyze the data from various viewpoints and theoretical frameworks in order to gain a comprehensive understanding of Japanese religions at home and abroad. Ten perspectives are offered altogether in this volume, each forming a chapter.