Japanese religions in the context of globalization and secularization

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Christoph Kleine
• Subject Area: Religious Studies and Jewish Studies ; Asian Studies
• Term: from 2011 to 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 195052380

The present research project was started in March 2012 with the aim to combine globalization theory and quantitative/qualitative research in the study of contemporary Japanese religions. Within the broader field of global dynamics, the project focuses on (1) the relativization of religious values in global society, and (2) the relationship between religion and other global societal subsystems.As for the first part, we have investigated Japanese religions' attitude toward the worldwide increasing presence of other religions, which reveals the intermingling of interreligious dialogue, inclusivism, and cultural nationalism. The interplay between the relativization of values, cultural nationalism, and hybridization/glocalization has been explored in another subfield of the research, which focuses on the recent reshaping of Japanese Buddhism as a "green" religion (patterned after global environmentalism), which occasionally embeds the rhetorical opposition of Japanese religion (closeness to nature) and western culture (anthropocentrism). Research has also been conducted in Hawaii within the overseas mission of Jôdo Shinshû. In-depth interviews conducted with local members indicate the presence of processes of hybridization that markedly differ from those occurring in Japan, such as the adoption of meditation, which is strongly discouraged in Japanese Jôdo Shinshû.As for the second part of the research project, we have focused on the new religious organization Risshô Kôseikai. This organization has refrained from forming its own political party and does not allow direct involvement in politics by officials of this organization, but customarily supports parties and independent candidates at election time in the attempt to influence the political process. Responses to the aforementioned issue emerging from quantitative research suggest that the functional differentiation of religion and politics may be perceived in different ways at the individual and institutional levels.Besides Risshô Kôseikai, other religious organizations had originally been selected as case studies for this research project. In one case (Jôdoshû) the rate of respondents was unfortunately too low. In another case (Sôtôshû), permission to conduct research among members was denied after long negotiations. Unfortunately, repeated attempts to approach other religious organizations in Japan have been unsuccessful. The aforementioned factors demanded a conceptual readjustment and have significantly delayed the research. Consequently, the six months still left will be indispensable to gather necessary data for the project.In view of the unpredictable factors that have delayed the planned research during the previous months and the incumbent tasks illustrated in the report, it is reasonable to assume that a fair amount of additional time (12 months) will be needed for the completion of the project and the writing process of the monograph that should finalize it.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants