Religious Tradition in Japan - Geography of Religion in Japan: Religious Space, Landscape, and Behavior - page 16

Chapter 2
Religious Tradition in Japan

Abstract Chapter 2 focussed on the some characteristics of religious tradition in
Japan. One of the famous Japanese philosophers, Tetsuro Watsuiji, discusses natural
environment and religious thought. His ideas were criticized for being too ideologi-
cal and involving environmental determinism; however, the idea of fudo being
closely related to the spiritual foundation of people's lives, culture, and history
deserves approbation. As for the tree worship in Japan, the Onbashira festival of the
Suwa Taisha is a signifi cant example. It evokes the image of Ujiko (shrine parishio-
ners) sitting astride onbashira (wooden pillars), accompanied by bravely marching
trumpeters. As for the landscape of sacred places, it is closely related to the fudo that
nurtured them; landscape can therefore be used to identify the religious sensibility
of the Japanese people.

Keywords Forest culture ￿ Natural environment ￿ Religious sense ￿ Sacred place
￿ Sacred tree

2.1 Japanese Fudo , Forest Culture and Tree Worship

in Japan

2.1.1 Japanese Fudo and Forest Culture

Mountains cover approximately two-thirds of Japan's landscape. Most are verdant
places—appealing, beautiful scenery that conveys the notion of an ideal landscape.
In summer one can see rice crops in the rural areas waving in fi elds and groves of
thick, broad-leaved trees around village shrines. All this may convey the notion of
an idyllic landscape of peace and harmony to many Westerners visiting Japan.
Japan's lush greenery can be attributed to fudo —the high summer temperatures and
humidity in Japan enable diverse plants to fl ourish and the Japanese to enjoy tangi-
ble and intangible benefi ts.