Abstract
This six-page paper presents a detailed discussion on the religions that are predominately popular in Japan and the Ainu population. In Japan the predominate faith is Buddhism while the Ainu culture the primary faith involves animism belief. The two have several things in common as well as many differences. There were four sources used to complete this paper.

Abstract
This paper examines how the unique political geography of Japan has largely been responsible for determining the country's unique language, culture, and political system. The country's major geographical features, such as it being an island with little land mass available to support a large population, have shaped most of Japan's history and the characteristics of its people. It looks at how Japan's religions and language have influenced its culture and way of life to a large extent and how, although the Japanese and American cultures have little in common and have had a love-hate relationship for a long time, the two countries and peoples have not remained totally immune from each other's influence.

Outline
Japanese Language and How It Defines Japanese Culture
Religions
Political Systems and Their Connection with Religions and Languages
Religions and Cultures of Japan and the United States
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Buddhism the other major religion of Japan originated in India, where its founder Gautama Buddha was born. It arrived in Japan in the 6th century by way of China and Korea. In the centuries that followed, numerous Buddhist sects took root in Japan, the most prominent among them being Zen Buddhism. Zen Buddhism was introduced from China in the 12th century and quickly became popular among the dominant warrior class under the rule of Japan's first shogunate (military government). Zen Buddhism fuses the Mahayana form of Buddhism that originated in India and the Chinese philosophy of Daoism. Zen Buddhism has had a significant effect on Japanese culture mainly through the artistic activities in Zen monasteries that serve as part-training school."

Tags:zen, buddhism, ainu, tokyo