Introduction

This introduction chapter presents an overview of key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. This book provides a discussion of themes and key issues related to the interconnections between media and new religions, and an analysis of specific case studies. It highlights the dual and complex relationship between media and new religions. The term "media" commonly also refers to various forms, e.g., newspapers, radio, television, the Internet, through which information and views are expressed, generated and distributed, and in Japan, these forms have been highly important in the modern era. Therefore, the aim of the book is not to offer a comprehensive history of the use of media by Japanese new religions, but to identify key issues in the creation of media narratives by religious organisations in order to proselytise, communicate with members and create, and their image and in the relationship between those groups and the media.