Language/Japanese/Culture/Contemporary-Spiritual-Movements

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Japanese → Culture → 0 to A1 Course → Religion and Philosophy → Contemporary Spiritual Movements

Introduction

In this lesson, we will explore the fascinating world of contemporary spiritual movements in Japan. As Japan continues to modernize, new religious and philosophical beliefs have emerged alongside the traditional practices of Shinto and Buddhism. We will delve into the various spiritual movements, including New Age, cults, and urban legends, and examine their impact on Japanese society and culture. By understanding these contemporary spiritual movements, you will gain deeper insights into the diverse religious landscape of Japan and its influence on the daily lives of its people.

New Age Movement

The New Age movement, known as Nyūēji in Japanese, refers to a broad range of spiritual and metaphysical beliefs and practices that emerged in the Western world during the 20th century. In Japan, the New Age movement gained popularity in the 1980s and 1990s and continues to influence many individuals seeking alternative spiritual paths. The movement encompasses various practices such as alternative healing, crystal therapy, astrology, and channeling.

One prominent figure in the Japanese New Age movement is Masaru Emoto, a researcher who claimed that human consciousness can affect the molecular structure of water. His experiments and books on the subject gained significant attention in Japan and abroad. Emoto's work reflects the Japanese fascination with the connection between spirituality and the natural world.

Another aspect of the New Age movement in Japan is the concept of "spiritual tourism." Many individuals visit sacred sites and power spots believed to have spiritual energy. Mount Fuji, for example, is considered a sacred mountain and a popular destination for spiritual seekers. Visitors often engage in meditation, prayer, or other spiritual practices while surrounded by the awe-inspiring beauty of nature.

Let's take a look at some common terms related to the New Age movement:

Japanese	Pronunciation	English Translation
ニューエイジ	Nyūēji	New Age
石の癒し	Ishi no iyashi	Crystal therapy
星占い	Hoshi uranai	Astrology
スピリチュアルツーリズム	Supirichuaru tsūrizumu	Spiritual tourism

Cults in Japan

Cults, or shūkyōdan in Japanese, have been a subject of fascination and concern in Japanese society. These groups often have charismatic leaders and employ manipulative tactics to recruit and control their followers. While some cults are harmless, others have been involved in criminal activities and tragic incidents.

One of the most notorious cults in Japan is Aum Shinrikyo, founded by Shoko Asahara in the 1980s. Aum Shinrikyo gained international attention when its members carried out a series of terrorist attacks, including the 1995 Tokyo subway sarin gas attack that killed 12 people and injured thousands. The incident highlighted the potential dangers of cults and their ability to manipulate individuals for destructive purposes.

It's important to note that the majority of religious and spiritual groups in Japan are not cults. However, it is crucial to remain cautious and critical when engaging with any organization or individual promoting extreme beliefs or engaging in unethical practices. Japanese society has become more vigilant in monitoring cult activities and providing support for individuals affected by cults.

Here are some key terms related to cults in Japan:

Japanese	Pronunciation	English Translation
宗教団	Shūkyōdan	Cult
カルト	Karuto	Cult
カルトリーダー	Karuto rīdā	Cult leader
洗脳	Sennō	Brainwashing

Urban Legends

Urban legends, known as gūzen densetsu or kaidan in Japanese, are fictional stories or rumors that are spread through word of mouth or the internet. These tales often involve supernatural elements, eerie occurrences, or cautionary messages. Urban legends have become an integral part of Japanese folklore and popular culture, captivating the imaginations of both young and old.

One famous urban legend in Japan is the story of Kuchisake-onna, the Slit-Mouthed Woman. According to the legend, a woman with a slit mouth wearing a surgical mask approaches individuals and asks them if they think she is beautiful. If the person answers "no," she reveals her disfigured mouth, while answering "yes" prompts her to reveal a sharp object and attack the person. This chilling tale has been the subject of movies, books, and even inspired Halloween costumes in Japan.

Another popular urban legend is the Hachishakusama, an eight-foot-tall woman who visits children's homes and asks if she can play with them. If the child agrees, they are taken away and never seen again. This eerie legend has been passed down through generations and continues to frighten children and adults alike.

Let's explore some vocabulary related to urban legends:

Japanese	Pronunciation	English Translation
都市伝説	Toshi densetsu	Urban legend
口裂け女	Kuchisake-onna	Slit-Mouthed Woman
八尺様	Hachishakusama	Eight-foot-tall woman
お化け	Obake	Ghost

Summary

In this lesson, we have explored the contemporary spiritual movements in Japan, including the New Age movement, cults, and urban legends. The New Age movement has gained popularity in Japan, with individuals seeking alternative spiritual paths and engaging in practices such as crystal therapy and astrology. Cults, while not representative of the majority of religious groups in Japan, have been a subject of concern due to their manipulative tactics and involvement in criminal activities. Urban legends, on the other hand, have become an integral part of Japanese folklore and popular culture, captivating the imaginations of people of all ages.

By understanding these contemporary spiritual movements, you have gained a deeper insight into the diverse religious landscape of Japan and its influence on Japanese society and culture. Whether it is exploring the healing powers of crystals, learning about the dangers of cults, or sharing spooky urban legends, these topics offer a glimpse into the spiritual and supernatural beliefs that coexist alongside traditional religions in Japan.

Now, let's practice what we have learned!

Exercises

1. Match the Japanese terms related to contemporary spiritual movements with their English translations.

Japanese	English Translation
ニューエイジ	A. Cult
石の癒し	B. New Age
カルト	C. Crystal therapy
都市伝説	D. Urban legend
宗教団	E. Astrology

Answer: 1. B 2. C 3. E 4. D 5. A

2. True or False: The New Age movement gained popularity in Japan in the 1960s.

Answer: False

3. Fill in the blank with the correct term: Aum Shinrikyo gained international attention for carrying out a series of __________ attacks in Tokyo.

Answer: terrorist

4. Which urban legend involves a woman with a slit mouth?

Answer: Kuchisake-onna

5. True or False: Urban legends are always based on true stories.

Answer: False

Conclusion

Congratulations on completing this lesson on contemporary spiritual movements in Japan! You have learned about the New Age movement, cults, and urban legends, and their significance in Japanese society and culture. By understanding these aspects, you have gained a deeper appreciation for the diverse religious landscape of Japan and its impact on the daily lives of its people.

Continue to explore and embrace the rich spiritual traditions of Japan as you progress in your Japanese language learning journey. Whether you find inspiration in the New Age movement, caution in the stories of cults, or excitement in the eerie tales of urban legends, the contemporary spiritual movements of Japan offer a unique perspective on the intersection of belief, culture, and society.

Table of Contents - Japanese Course - 0 to A1

• Course Presentation

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Hiragana Basics

• Hiragana Reading and Writing Practice
• Introduction to Japanese Sentence Structure
• Particle は and が
• Verb Conjugation
• Noun and Adjective Modification
• Question Words and Phrases

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Greetings and Introductions

• Greetings
• Introducing Yourself and Others
• Describing People
• Counting Numbers and Time
• Basic Food and Drink Terminology
• Daily Activities and Hobbies
• Basic Directions and Transportation

  ---

Geography and History

• Introduction to Japanese Geography
• Brief History of Japan
• Traditional Arts and Customs
• Popular Culture and Entertainment

  ---

Adjectives and Adverbs

• Adjective Conjugation
• Adjective Types and Usage
• Adverb Types and Usage
• Comparison and Superlative
• Adjective and Adverbial Modification

  ---

Family and Social Relations

• Family Members and Titles
• Social Etiquette and Expressions
• Basic Workplace and Business Terminology
• Shopping and Consumer Culture

  ---

Religion and Philosophy

• Shinto and Buddhism
• Zen and Samurai Culture
• Contemporary Spiritual Movements

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Particles and Conjunctions

• Particles に and で
• Particles へ and を
• Particles も and しか
• Conjunctions and Compound Sentences
• Conditional and Hypothetical Sentences

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Travel and Tourism

• Basic Travel and Tourism Vocabulary
• Famous Tourist Attractions and Landmarks
• Japanese Hospitality and Service Culture

  ---

Education and Science

• Educational System and Vocabulary
• Traditional and Modern Science and Technology
• Natural Disasters and Risk Prevention

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Prepositions and Interjections

• Prepositions and Postpositions
• Emphasis and Intensification
• Exclamation and Impression Expressions

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Arts and Media

• Film and Theater Terminology
• Music and Dance Terminology
• Art and Literature Terminology

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Politics and Society

• Basic Political Vocabulary
• Social Issues and Controversies
• Japanese Business and Work Culture

Other Lessons

• Natural Disasters and Risk Prevention
• Brief History of Japan
• Calligraphy
• Social Issues and Controversies
• Shinto and Buddhism
• Popular Culture and Entertainment
• Japanese Business and Work Culture
• Basic Political Vocabulary
• Japan Timeline
• Traditional and Modern Science and Technology

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