Language/Japanese/Culture/Contemporary-Spiritual-Movements

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Japanese Culture → Religion and Philosophy → Contemporary Spiritual Movements

As a Japanese language teacher, I believe it's essential to learn about the spiritual movements and beliefs that exist in Japan to gain a better understanding of Japanese culture. In this lesson, we will explore the modern spiritual movements in Japan, including New Age, cults, and urban legends.

Take a moment to explore these relevant pages as you conclude this lesson: Why Learn Japanese & Japanese Business and Work Culture.

New Age

The New Age movement in Japan has gained popularity since the 1960s, mainly among young people seeking alternative forms of spirituality. It's based on various beliefs and practices, such as yoga, meditation, divination, and energy healing. New Age centers can be found throughout Japan, offering workshops, classes, and retreats.

One particular form of New Age practice that originated in Japan is the art of Shinrin-yoku or forest bathing. The idea is to spend time in nature and breathe in the forest's air to improve physical and mental well-being.

Here are some New Age terms you might come across in Japan:

Japanese	Pronunciation	English
新興宗教	shinkou shuukyou	New Religious Movement
ヨガ	yuga	Yoga
瞑想	meiso	Meditation
エネルギーヒーリング	enerugii hiiringu	Energy Healing

Cults

Cults are an issue in Japan and are defined as extremist or deviant religious groups that promote the worship of a charismatic, authoritarian leader. These groups often act in ways that are in violation of Japanese laws, such as brainwashing or harassment of members, illegal fundraising, and recruitment of minors. Some well-known examples of cults in Japan include Aum Shinrikyo, which was responsible for the 1995 Tokyo subway sarin gas attack, and Happy Science, a controversial new religious movement.

It's important to note that not all new religious movements in Japan are considered cults. However, it's crucial to research any organization's history and practices before joining. Some questionable warning signs of a cult might include high-pressure recruitment tactics, the claim of exclusive truth, and secrecy around group activities.

Here are some cult-related terms that you might come across in Japan:

Japanese	Pronunciation	English
カルト	karuto	Cult
崇拝	suuhai	Worship
ブレインウォッシング	bureinwosshingu	Brainwashing
リクルート	rikuruuto	Recruitment

Urban Legends

Urban legends or kaidan are traditional Japanese ghost stories that have been modernized and adapted to urban settings. These stories often feature supernatural elements and are meant to be scary or bizarre. Some of the most popular urban legends in Japan are Kuchisake Onna, the slit-mouthed woman, and Hanako-san, the ghost of a young girl who haunts school bathrooms.

Despite being folkloric in origin, urban legends can have a profound impact on Japanese culture. They are the subject of movies, TV shows, manga, and video games. The telling of urban legends also serves as a form of entertainment and a way to test one's courage.

Here are some urban legend-related terms that you might come across in Japan:

Japanese	Pronunciation	English
怪談	kaidan	Ghost Story
殺人鬼	satsujinki	Serial Killer
妖怪	youkai	Supernatural Creature
オカルト	okaruto	Occult

In conclusion, by learning about the modern spiritual movements, cults, and urban legends in Japan, you'll be able to gain a deeper understanding of the country's culture and society. However, it's essential to approach each of these topics with an open mind and a critical eye. As a language student, it's crucial to be aware of the potential biases or cultural misunderstandings that can arise when studying another culture's spiritual practices.

Sources

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