The Unseen Face of Japan

by David C. Lewis

'Popular' religion in Japan as seen through the eyes of ordinary Japanese people. Dr. David Lewis provides a fascinating account of popular beliefs and 'customs' such as the use of fortune-telling in choosing a child's name, religious rituals in a factory, attitudes towards 'lucky' and 'unlucky' days, the use of safety charms, remembering the dead, and many other religious attitudes and beliefs. There are also sections dealing with Christianity in Japan and suggestions for helping it to become more culturally sensitive within the Japanese context. Dr. David Lewis is a cultural anthropologist with extensive experience of Japan. His book is based on personal fieldwork in a Japanese city, including the analysis of 667 detailed questionnaires and 100 in-depth interviews with Japanese people.

377 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.