Why It's So Hard to Leave Shintoism for Christianity

Why does Japan reject foreign religions? And how does that affect Japanese people who do decide to follow Jesus? In this episode of Hard to Reach: Japan, Steven Morales explores why Shintoism and Buddhism are so intertwined with Japanese identity, and sits down with Japanese Christians to learn what that cultural challenge looks like today. 00:00 Cold Open—Is Japan Religious? 00:55 Shintoism Explained 3:11 Buddhism Explained 4:47 Atheism in Japan 5:31 Asami and Ami 8:28 Yoshito 11:47 Chad 13:54 Asami and Ami Again 18:11 Next Episode Preview CONNECT WITH US Instagram: Twitter: Website: FEATURING Steven Morales Instagram: Twitter: