Abstract
This chapter draws attention to religion as a Western concept turned global, and to the ways this concept is investigated and produced by the academic discipline of religious studies in both Japan and the West. Originating in the West, 'religion' as a field of study was early on employed by and imposed upon societies worldwide. The chapter first introduces recent scholarship on religion in non-Western societies, giving author's impression of a set of intellectual and analytical tools that are needed in the study of religion. It then observes Japanese religious studies and problems concerning the concept of religion that appear specific to Japan. The view on religion expanded from problems of reflexivity inside Western societies to the problem of relations between Western and non- Western societies in a globalized world. The chapter outlines and contextualizes the research on religion and religious studies in modern Japan. Keywords:Japan; non-western societies; religion; religious studies; transcultural contexts; western societies
Published Version
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