Toward Japanese Ways of Christian Worship : Rice, Ritual, Relationship

This book explores the socio-cultural dimensions of rice, ritual, and relationship in Japanese culture, utilizing critical resources drawn from the methodologies of liturgical inculturation, ritual studies, and postcolonial theory. It offers unique insights into the development of more deeply contextualized ways of worship in Japanese Christian churches. With Japan predominantly influenced by Shinto and Buddhism, and Christians making up less than one percent of the population, Christianity is often viewed as a Western/foreign religion. Despite this, little serious consideration of liturgical inculturation or contextualization has been undertaken by local Christians. Thus, this study’s effort at such a beginning constitutes original research, seeking to offer new insights and approaches to liturgical inculturation, inviting broader perspectives on the subject, including considerations of social behaviour, ritual practice, and cultural identity. In particular, references to the work of Japanese theologian Masao Takenaka (????, 1925-2006), an emphasis on performative orthopraxy, and the collective ethos of Japanese culture—together with concern for relationship-building with non-Christian culture and people—contribute to the development of unique and creative methods of liturgical inculturation in Japan.