Skip over main navigation
  • Log in
  • Basket: (0 items)
Japan Christian Link
Contact us Donate
  • Twitter
Menu
  • Who we are
    • Our vision
    • Our aims
    • Our values
    • JCL Partners
    • JEB Churches
    • History
    • How we are organised
  • What we do
    • Our mission
    • Where we work
    • Difference we make
  • Stories
  • Shop
  • Get help
    • Friend going back to Japan
    • Understanding Japanese thinking
      • What do Japanese people believe?
    • Sharing the gospel
      • Christian with a Japanese friend....?
    • Meetings & Churches
    • Working for a Japanese company
    • Japanese language materials
    • English literature about Japan
    • Request prayer
    • Other sources of help
  • Getting involved
    • Praying for Japan
    • Donate
    • Fundraising ideas
    • Partners
    • Volunteer
    • Leave a legacy
    • Trusts and funds
  • News
  • Events
  • 日本語
    • 英国日本人教会・日本語礼拝のご案内
  • FAQs
  • Admin
    • Log in
  • Basket: (0 items)
  • What do Japanese people believe?
  1. Get help
  2. Understanding Japanese thinking
  3. What do Japanese people believe?

What do Japanese people believe?

Generalisations about how any national group understands the world are difficult, but here is an attempt to summarise or describe what may be in the minds of many Japanese people, whether consciously or sub-consciously, when it comes to matters of faith:

No universal God:  Many Japanese believe that there is no universal God. The Japanese word “kami” represents a very different idea from the God of the Bible. There is no simple word in Japanese for the universal and transcendent God of the Bible.

No heaven or hell:  Japanese people often do not have a concept of heaven or hell. There are some ideas about achieving enlightenment in Buddhism but no heaven and no hell. A dead person’s spirit is usually not believed to have gone anywhere, at least not off to a different realm, however something does continue after their death.

No devil, sin or judgement:  Japanese people typically believe that there is no devil or evil power and also that human nature is basically good. There is often no concept of sin – not in the sense of a Christian's understanding of sin. The Japanese word usually used for sin is “tsumi” which is basically crime, offence or wrongdoing. A Japanese person will struggle with the idea that he or she is a sinner who needs grace, as human nature is basically good, in their thinking. Similarly, there is no judgement, since (with very few exceptions) most people have not committed crimes worthy of judgement.

No clear scriptures:  For many Japanese there are no clear scriptures on what to believe, and therefore no basis of faith. No clear set of “commandments” on how to behave. e.g. one can’t say “do not lie,” or “lying is always wrong” - things depend on the context. It may depend on what will be best for maintaining harmony in a relationship.

Harmony is key:  The highest value is probably wa – harmony, or harmonious relationships with others. Therefore ideas of good and evil, right and wrong, can be relative. They will normally be considered in relation to what preserves harmony in any given situation, rather than as absolutes.

Christianity perceived as Western:  Finally, Christianity is often perceived as Western and not suitable for Japanese people.

Those are some examples of what may be in the minds of many Japanese in matters of faith.  

See also our page on Understanding Japanese thinking

Published: 22nd September, 2020

Updated: 5th January, 2021

Author: Ian Maclennan

Share this page
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Latest

  • Richard & Yuko Brash

    Richard & Yuko Brash

    Thank you for partnering with Richard & Yuko Brash as they minister the gospel in Japan through teaching in a seminary in Nagoya and creating literature resources. You can choose to make a regular donation or a one-off gift. If you are a UK taxpayer you can increase your donation, by agreeing to Gift Aid it.

  • Japan on your Doorstep!?

    Japan on your Doorstep!?

    Please join us at this training and envisioning event hosted by the OMF Japanese Diaspora Returnee Ministry team. For all interested or involved in reaching out to Japanese people with the gospel.

  • Philip & Sunny Glass

    Philip & Sunny Glass

    Thank you for partnering with Philip & Sunny Glass as they train to be ready to minister the gospel in Japan. You can choose to make a regular donation or a one-off gift. If you are a UK taxpayer you can increase your donation, by agreeing to Gift Aid it.

  • Emba Allison

    Emba Allison

    Thank you for your kind prayer and financial support for Emba Allison

Most read

  • James and Charley Ballinger

    James and Charley Ballinger

    James and Charley Ballinger arrived in Tokyo in March 2022. James has been appointed as Director of the Samurai Projects, working to train the next generation of Japanese Christian leaders.

  • Bilingual Japanese/English Bible - ESV

    Bilingual Japanese/English Bible - ESV

    Bilingual full Bible with the New Revised Japanese Bible (4th edition, October 2017) and the English ESV.

  • 英国日本人教会・日本語礼拝のご案内

    英国日本人教会・日本語礼拝のご案内

    英国日本人教会・日本語礼拝のご案内

  • Sharing the gospel with my Japanese friend

    Sharing the gospel with my Japanese friend

    It can be challenging to explain the gospel to someone from a completely different culture, who also has a different mother tongue! Here are a few approaches to consider.

  • Our vision

    Our vision

    JCL's vision is to help make a significant difference in the progress of the gospel among the Japanese over the first half of this century.

  • Japan Weekend Conference 2022

    Japan Weekend Conference 2022

    Our next Japan Weekend Conference is scheduled for 22nd to 24th July 2022, please join us!

  • What do Japanese people believe?

    What do Japanese people believe?

    Japanese belief systems are very different from American and European ones. Here are some general comments with respect to faith and belief which may apply to many Japanese.

  • 日本語

    日本語

    日本語のページ

  • Gospel Music

    Gospel Music

    JCL Network Partners Heidi and Dave Skipper are both working in the field of music in Japan. Heidi leads and manages work with Gospel Choirs, which are very popular in Japan.

  • Summary - Shiokari Pass

    Summary of Ayako Miura's novel Shiokari Pass

Latest tweet

Sign up for our newsletter

Please enter your first name
Please enter your last name
Please enter your email address Please enter a valid email address (e.g. [email protected])

Find us

Registered Office
PO Box 68
Sevenoaks
Kent
TN13 2ZY
United Kingdom

+44 (0)1732 455453
[email protected]

Links

  • Sitemap
  • Accessibility
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Complaints

Follow us

  • Facebook
  • Twitter



Japan Christian Link -
registered charity number 1164572

Manage Cookie Preferences