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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- Q: How many pages does the book have? A: This book has three hundred thirty-six pages. It offers an in-depth exploration of Shinto's cultural relevance in Japan.
- Q: What is the binding type of this book? A: The book is paperback bound. This makes it more flexible and portable for reading.
- Q: What are the dimensions of the book? A: The book measures six inches wide by nine inches tall and is approximately zero point seventy-nine inches thick.
- Q: How do I use this book? A: You can read this book for educational purposes or personal interest. It is suitable for anyone interested in Japanese culture and religion.
- Q: Is this book suitable for academic research? A: Yes, this book is suitable for academic research. It provides comprehensive insights into Shinto practices and their sociocultural implications.
- Q: What reading level is this book appropriate for? A: This book is appropriate for adult readers and advanced students. It contains complex themes and academic language.
- Q: How should I store this book? A: Store this book in a cool, dry place. Keep it upright on a shelf to maintain its shape and condition.
- Q: Can this book be cleaned? A: Yes, you can clean the book by wiping it gently with a dry cloth. Avoid using liquids or cleaning solutions.
- Q: Is this book safe for children? A: No, this book is not specifically intended for children. It discusses complex themes that may not be suitable for younger audiences.
- Q: What is the author’s background? A: The author, John K. Nelson, is a scholar with extensive knowledge of Japan and its religious practices. His expertise adds depth to the book.
- Q: How does this book compare to other books on Shinto? A: This book offers a unique ethnographic perspective, distinguishing it from other academic texts on Shinto, which may lack fieldwork.
- Q: Is the book's content based on fieldwork? A: Yes, the content is based on extensive fieldwork conducted at the Kamo Wake Ikazuchi Jinja shrine. This adds credibility and depth.
- Q: What themes are explored in this book? A: The book explores themes of cultural identity, social memory, and the interplay between individual agency and institutional politics.
- Q: Does this book include rituals and festivals? A: Yes, the book discusses various rituals and festivals associated with the Kamigamo Shrine, highlighting their cultural significance.
- Q: What publisher released this book? A: The book is published by the University of Hawaii Press, known for its scholarly contributions to Asian studies.
- Q: Is this book part of a larger series? A: No, this book is a standalone publication. It focuses solely on the relevance of Shinto in contemporary Japan.