Buddhism is an example of this Japanese trait. It reached Japan about seven hundred years later, and became very popular with upper class Japanese. The most popular Buddhist sect was Zen, a term that means concentration. The primary western faiths, Christianity, Islam, and Judaism, believe in a God that is external. Zen Buddhists meditate by sitting very still with their back straight, their legs crossed, and their minds concentrated in order to achieve tranquility and insight.
Religion is no longer the focus of daily life for most Japanese people.
When Japan lost World War II, the American army forced the Japanese emperor to declare that he was not a god. Many Shinto shines remain, but they are not visited as often as they were before the war. All rights reserved.