Soziale und politische Aktivitaten 'neuer religioser Bewegungen' in Japan

In: Neue soziale Bewegungen: Forschungsjournal, Band 17, Heft 4, S. 69-77

Abstract

Compared to the US & Europe, the phenomenon of new religious movements in Japan is relatively strong. At present, nearly 600 religious groups exist & an estimated 10%-20% of the Japanese population are members of new religious movements. They play a significant socio-political role in Japan. This is illustrated in the paper by way of highlighting the activities of various religious movements. This paper examines how value change & the political opportunity structures in Japan influence the mobilizational activities of new religious movements. Special attention is given to the religious movements Aum Shiririkyo & Soka Gakkai, which have fundamentally changed the relationship between politics & religion. 28 References. Adapted from the source document.