Title
Enduring Identities: The Guise of Shinto in Contemporary Japan,Used
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Enduring Identities is an attempt to understand the continuing relevance of Shinto to the cultural identity of contemporary Japanese. The enduring significance of this ancient yet innovative religion is evidenced each year by the millions of Japanese who visit its shrines. They might come merely seeking a parklike setting or to make a request of the shrine's deities, asking for a marriage partner, a baby, or success at school or work; or they might come to give thanks for benefits received through the intercession of deities or to legitimate and sacralize civic and political activities.Through an investigation of one of Japan's most important and venerated Shinto shrines, Kamo Wake Ikazuchi Jinja (more commonly Kamigamo Jinja), the book addresses what appears through Western and some Asian eyes to be an exotic and incongruous blend of superstition and reason as well as a photogenic juxtaposition of present and past. Combining theoretical sophistication with extensive fieldwork and a deep knowledge of Japan, John Nelson documents and interprets the ancient Kyoto shrine's yearly cycle of rituals and festivals, its sanctified landscapes, and the people who make it viable.At local and regional levels, Kamigamo Shrine's ritual traditions (such as the famous Hollyhock Festival) and the strategies for their perpetuation and implementation provide points of departure for issues that anthropologists, historians, and scholars of religion will recognize as central to their disciplines. These include the formation of social memory, the role of individual agency within institutional politics, religious practice and performance, the shaping of sacred space and place, ethnic versus cultural identity, and the politics of historical representation and cultural nationalism. Nelson links these themes through a detailed ethnography about a significant place and institution, which until now has been largely closed to both Japanese and foreign scholars.In contrast to conventional notions of ideology and institutions, he shows how a religious tradition's lack of centralized dogma, charismatic leaders, and sacred texts promotes rather than hinders a broadbased public participation with a variety of institutional agendas, most of which have very little to do with belief. He concludes that it is this structural flexibility, coupled with ample economic, human, and cultural resources, that nurtures a reworking of multiple identitiesall of which resonate with the past, fully engage the present, and, with care, will endure well into the future.
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We ship your order within 2–3 business days for USA deliveries and 5–8 business days for international shipments. Once your package has been dispatched from our warehouse, you'll receive an email confirmation with a tracking number, allowing you to track the status of your delivery.
Returns
To facilitate a smooth return process, a Return Authorization (RA) Number is required for all returns. Returns without a valid RA number will be declined and may incur additional fees. You can request an RA number within 15 days of the original delivery date. For more details, please refer to our Return & Refund Policy page.
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We provide a 2-year limited warranty, from the date of purchase for all our products.
If you believe you have received a defective product, or are experiencing any problems with your product, please contact us.
This warranty strictly does not cover damages that arose from negligence, misuse, wear and tear, or not in accordance with product instructions (dropping the product, etc.).
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: What is 'Enduring Identities: The Guise of Shinto in Contemporary Japan' about? A: This book explores the relevance of Shinto to contemporary Japanese cultural identity, focusing on the rituals, festivals, and community interactions at Kamigamo Shrine, illustrating how this ancient religion intersects with modern life.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The author of 'Enduring Identities' is John K. Nelson, known for his extensive research and fieldwork in Japan.
- Q: How many pages does the book have? A: The book consists of 336 pages, providing an in-depth exploration of its subject matter.
- Q: What is the condition of the book being sold? A: The book is listed as 'New', ensuring that it is in excellent condition for readers.
- Q: What type of binding does this book have? A: The book is available in paperback binding, making it lightweight and easy to handle.
- Q: When was 'Enduring Identities' published? A: The book was published on March 1, 2000, providing historical context to its analysis of Shinto.
- Q: What themes does the book cover? A: Key themes include social memory, individual agency within institutional politics, religious practice, and the shaping of cultural identity in Japan.
- Q: Is this book suitable for academic study? A: Yes, the book is suitable for academic study, particularly in anthropology, history, and religious studies due to its detailed ethnographic research.
- Q: Does the book include illustrations or photographs? A: While the book primarily focuses on text, it may include photographs and illustrations relevant to the discussion of Kamigamo Shrine and its rituals.
- Q: Can this book help in understanding Japanese culture? A: Absolutely, 'Enduring Identities' offers valuable insights into Japanese culture and the significance of Shinto practices in contemporary society, making it a useful resource for those interested in Japan.