While it's difficult to pinpoint a single "main" religion in Japan, the primary religions practiced in Japan in 2024 are Shinto and Buddhism.
| Religion | Description |
|---|---|
| Shinto | An indigenous faith focused on spirits and ancestors. Often involves rituals at shrines. |
| Buddhism | Introduced from the Asian mainland, focuses on ending suffering through practices like meditation and following ethical guidelines. Many different schools of Buddhism exist within Japan. |
It's important to note that many Japanese people practice elements of both religions, often without perceiving a conflict between the two. This syncretic blend is a defining characteristic of religious life in Japan. Therefore, identifying one as "main" is an oversimplification.
