The Unseen Face of Japan

by David C. Lewis

The things which are right in front of us can often be the things which are most hidden. In Japan, the word omote means 'face'. But it also means 'mask' - something that a person uses to hide an inner reality. Face-value questions - 'Are the Japanese religious?' 'What do they believe?' - produce face-value answers. We need to delve deeper. This book explores the motivations behind why Japanese people act in a 'religious' way, based on what ordinary people say about their attitudes and experiences. In the process it also uncovers core values within Japanese culture. By understanding these motivations and values, we discover that the Son of Man came not to destroy Japanese culture but to fulfil it. This fully revised and updated edition includes data from the latest surveys of Japanese attitudes, church statistics, and the most recent research into Japanese society and religion.

432 pages, Paperback

First published September 17, 1993

Reviews

[Erin Burnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very well researched book on religious attitudes and practices in Japan. The practical Christian applications are also very useful. Would recommend to anyone wanting to work amongst Japanese people.