Survey on Religion and Higher Education in Japan

Abstract

This paper reports on the results of the survey "Religious Studies in Japanese Undergraduate Curricula (2002)." Since religion is virtually excluded from school curricula in Japanese public education, colleges are, for most students, the first places where they can substantially learn about religions and religious studies. Ironically, undergraduate programs of religion have recently been downsized due to economic difficulties. The situation is especially critical, given that religion is gaining more attention worldwide and teaching about religion is a major public role that scholars of religion can undertake for an increasingly diversified society. Against this background, this survey gives, for the first time, detailed data about undergraduate curricula in Japan in which the study of religion is a central focus.