著者

中村 實

出版者

東北文化学園大学

雑誌

総合政策論集 : 東北文化学園大学総合政策学部紀要 (ISSN:13468561)

巻号頁・発行日

vol.1, no.1, pp.103-117, 2001-09-30

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A large number of Japanese people would visit shrines and temples during the first three days of the New Year to pray for happiness and good fortune. This practice is known as "Hatsumode" in our country. According to statistics, approximately one-fourth of the population did so in 1965, and in 2000 this proportion had risen up to two-thirds. It shows that the number of those who visit shrines and temples during the New Year period is increasing, whereas currently the economic growth rate is declining. In Japan, there is an old saying that, roughly translated, means "Man only turns to God in difficult circumstances." This article discusses the phenomenon that, when economic activity is depressed, more and more people tend to ask the for gods' benevolence at shrines and temples.A large number of Japanese people would visit shrines and temples during the first three days of the New Year to pray for happiness and good fortune. This practice is known as "Hatsumode" in our country. According to statistics, approximately one-fourth of the population did so in 1965, and in 2000 this proportion had risen up to two-thirds. It shows that the number of those who visit shrines and temples during the New Year period is increasing, whereas currently the economic growth rate is declining. In Japan, there is an old saying that, roughly translated, means "Man only turns to God in difficult circumstances." This article discusses the phenomenon that, when economic activity is depressed, more and more people tend to ask the for gods' benevolence at shrines and temples.