Re:Charlie Hebdo: first cover since terror attack depicts pr...
by muraiki on Tuesday January 13, 2015 @08:47AM
(#8879743)
I think that the situation is a bit more complicated than you depict. Perhaps monotheism was difficult for Japanese to conceive of, but Shinto and Buddhism have played a large role in Japanese history, including that of violence.
As to where these religious tendencies go in modern Japan, there are a number of things to think about (consider their celebrities are literally called "idols").
Confucius might not have said much about the Sky, but he constantly emphasized the importance of the Rites.
Zen and World War 2: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zen_at_War
Warrior Monks burning down other sects' temples: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S%C5%8Dhei
Persecution and martyrdom of Christians: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martyrs_of_Japan
As to where these religious tendencies go in modern Japan, there are a number of things to think about (consider their celebrities are literally called "idols").
Confucius might not have said much about the Sky, but he constantly emphasized the importance of the Rites.