The quasi-religious mentality of the Japanese, Japanism, and its role as a major obstacle for Christian missions in Japan are explored. Japanism is characterized as “donut” in shape with power circulating throughout the system without any central source of authority. This stands in contrast to the religious tradition of the Christian West which is portrayed as “conic” in form with authority centered in and controlling power emanating from one absolute monarchical God. Given the contemporary religious, cultural, and economical encounters between Japan and the Western world, the importance of reconsidering both of these patterns is emphasized.
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