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10/26/24Click here to learn about the recent updates made to the website as well as my future plans.
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Answer the questions about Japanese culture as best as you can. You may want to read the Culture Note about Religion in Japan (Genki II: p.227) if you haven't yet.
Japan's two major religions are _____.
Christianity and Buddhism
Christianity and Islam
Shinto and Buddhism
What religion is native to Japan?
Shinto
Christianity
Buddhism
_____ is based on the belief that everything has a spirit and advises people to live and act in a way that does not incur the wrath of the deities.
Shinto
Islam
Buddhism
_____ originated in India and was introduced to Japan in the 6th century.
Shinto
Christianity
Buddhism
Both Shinto shrines (神社) and Buddhist temples (お寺) can be found all over Japan.
true
false
Shinto and Buddhism have coexisted harmoniously in Japan for many years and it is common for most people to engage in the rituals of both religions.
true
false
Wedding ceremonies are often conducted by _____.
Buddhist monks
Shinto priests
Christian priests
Funeral rites are generally performed by _____.
Christian priests
Buddhist monks
Shinto priests
On New Year's, many Japanese go to a temple or shrine, with the choice of either mattering greatly to most of them.
true
false
What is the first thing you do when you visit a temple or shrine?
Bow deeply (and if at a shrine, clap your hands twice), pray with your palms clasped together, and bow deeply again.
Ring the bell, and throw offering coins into the offering box.
Wash your hands and rinse your mouth at the purification fountain near the entrance.
In front of the main hall, _____.
Bow deeply (and if at a shrine, clap your hands twice), pray with your palms clasped together, and bow deeply again.
Ring the bell, and throw offering coins into the offering box.
Wash your hands and rinse your mouth at the purification fountain near the entrance.
After the offering _____.
Wash your hands and rinse your mouth at the purification fountain near the entrance.
Ring the bell, and throw offering coins into the offering box.
Bow deeply (and if at a shrine, clap your hands twice), pray with your palms clasped together, and bow deeply again.
What is the folded paper attached to trees called?
だがし
おみくじ
絵馬
Some people believe that bad fortunes will go away and good fortunes will come true if the おみくじ is tied around a tree branch.
true
false
What are the small wooden plaques hung on racks called?
えび
おみくじ
絵馬
People write wishes or prayers on the plaques and hang them on racks with the hope that the wish or prayer will come true.