1. Religion n The roles of religion n Confucian basis of universal, but non-religious values n Buddhism’s lingering guidance in life and death n Shinto’s lingering guidance in birth and life n Christianity’s disproportionate influence n The search for meaning and a group in new religions

2. Religion Reflect on whether religion plays a significant role in shaping behavior and enriching life in Japan.

3. The roles of religion n The search for meaning, spirituality, and salvation n A foundation of universal values, ethics, and rituals n The need for community or groups

4. Confucian basis of universal, but non-religious values n A secular philosophy of social order and ethics--not a religion n Premodern (Tokugawa period) establishment n Replacement in science, economics and politics by Western rationality n Continuing basis of Japanese social order

5. Buddhism’s lingering guidance in life and death n Mahayana varieties: esoteric (monastic), salvation, zen n Premodern and modern suppression and use for family registration n Living museums and funeral enriched monks n Influence throughout Japanese life

6. Shinto’s lingering guidance in birth and life n The creation and destruction of a state religion n Life’s rituals n Community festivals n Reverence for nature and purity

7. Christianity’s disproportionate influence n Historic growth and extermination n Bundled with modernization and Westernization n Offerings: individualism, clarity of ethics, charity, education, rituals

8. The search for meaning and a group in new religions n 180,000 varieties n 6 million in Soka Gakkai n The significance of Aum Shinrikyo’s extremism?

14. Sumo do, Sumo don’t (Shiko funjatta) 1.When the two sumo wrestlers go to recruit others wrestlers, why does the experienced sumo wrestler not have to wear the mawashi (sumo jockstrap)? 2.Why does the new pro-wrestler Cutie Haruo have to dress like a girl? 3.The tatemae of the Kyoritsu sumo club is their participation in the tournament like all other clubs. What is the honne of the sumo club? 4.What will determine whether the male star (of the film) graduates from University? 5.Briefly explain the conflict between continuity and change expressed in this film? 6.Choose one character to explain the relationship between the individual and the group. 7.Does Smiley understand Japanese religion?