Bøker av Ian Reader

This book argues that the relationship between religion and tourism in Japan provides an example of secularization, counteracting scholarship that claims tourism increases religious activity.Although the Japanese constitution prohibits the state from promoting religion, the book shows how state agencies nonetheless encourage people to visit religious sites, by presenting them as manifestations of a shared heritage redolent of a real yet vanishing Japan, in ways that distance them from 'religion'. It examines theoretical understandings of religion and tourism and presents case studies of famed pilgrimage routes and temples, showing how Zen monasteries are now 'tourist brands' and pilgrimages are the focus of TV entertainment programmes and portrayed as opportunities to eat sweets. It also shows why priests acquiesce in such matters, examining the nationalistic rhetoric of nostalgia and unique heritage that underpins the promotion of religious sites.

This study involves a 1400-kilometer-long pilgrimage around Japan's 4th largest island, Shikoku. In traveling the circuit of 88 Buddhist temples, pilgrims make their journey together with Kobo Daishi (774-835), the holy miracle-working figure at the heart of the pilgrimage. Ian Reader examines contemporary practices and beliefs of the pilgrimage.

THIS BOOK WILL HELP YOU• to appreciate the significance of Japan's own religion in everyday life• to recognize the key traditions and festivals (matsuri) of the Shinto year• to understand what you will see at Shinto shrines and in Shinto rituals• to gain insights into the controversies surrounding Shinto, politics and nationalismACCESS THE WORLD'S RELIGIONSSimple Guides: Religion is a series of concise, accessible introductions to the world's major religions. Written by experts in the field, they offer an engaging and sympathetic description of the key concepts, beliefs and practices of different faiths.Ideal for spiritual seekers and travellers alike, Simple Guides aims to open the doors of perception. Together the books provide a reliable compass to the world's great spiritual traditions, and a point of reference for further exploration and discovery. By offering essential insights into the core values, customs and beliefs of differentsocieties, they also enable visitors to be aware of the cultural sensibilities of their hosts, and to behave in a way that fosters mutual respect and understanding.

As well as examining Japan's influences in Asia in economic and political terms, this volume also takes account of human factors - the presence of Japanese people, as workers, managers and visitors in Asian societies. Chapters look at the topic at both micro and macro levels.

An investigation into the workings of the Aum Shinrikyo, an ostensibly Buddhist movement which, under the guidance of its leader Asahara Shoko, increasingly engaged in criminal activities that culminated in the Tokyo subway attack in March 1995.