re-li-gion
Spelled Pronunciation [ri-lij-uh n]
–noun
1.
a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, esp. when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs.
2.
a specific fundamental set of beliefs and practices generally agreed upon by a number of persons or sects: the Christian religion; the Buddhist religion.
3.
the body of persons adhering to a particular set of beliefs and practices: a world council of religions.
I’ve discovered that Japan is highly religious, contrary to what any study or book will tell you, and if their religion had a name it would be called Japanism, with the members being called Japanics. I’ve observed many outwardly religious acts throughout the year and I have finally come to some sort of understanding about the nature of this religion. Take yesterday for instance, the final day of the school year. The students were cleaning up the school (since there is no janitor), and before they started cleaning the teacher’s lounge, they stood in a line as usual and waited for the formal blessing before cleaning. The vice-principal usually says something to the effect of, “On the 25th of March 2009, the final cleaning of this school will occur. Let’s do our best!” I half-expected bells to ring and holy water to fly out of his hand. He is fantastic at making anything unimportant into a ritual demanding his ever present “blessings”. Oh, are you about to affix your official signature to some document or begin a class meeting? Let’s call vice principal over to invoke his blessing so we can begin, “On this day, the 26th of March…” To further demonstrate the Japanicity of everyday life, a formal gathering, of which there are many, is typified with the congregation sitting down in straight neat rows facing the altar (stage) on which there is a giant religious object (Japanese flag). Before someone ascends to the altar (stage), they must bow to the priest (principal) and deacon (vice principal), then the sanctuary (Japanese flag), bow to the congregation. Next is the formal sermon speech, usually invoking the “blessing”. Then it ends with the same ritual in reverse order for every person that ascends to the altar. At the end of the sermon, we sing a hymn (school song), which of course is formally accompanied by a piano and an altarboy/girl (student) who leads the entire school in tempo as a conductor . Everyone sings their hearts out in worship of the school and then we leave quietly. Throughout the sermon, if there is a child out of place in any way (murmuring, not sitting up straight, etc) he will provoke the religious wrath of the teachers who will swiftly descend upon him and heartily rebuke him. I finally understand why, out of all the formal events I’ve been to, people would rather attend the formal ceremonies and fall asleep during the sermon, than not attend at all. Don't be fooled, Japanism is the heart and soul of this country and Japanics are zealous in their religious observances.