THE SIGNIFICANCE OF RELIGIOUS AND PHILOSOPHICAL THOUGHT FOR JAPANESE CULTURE

Abstract

This article is dedicated to analyzing the role of religious and philosophical thought in the formation and development of Japanese culture. It examines the main religious and philosophical traditions that have influenced the worldview of Japanese society — Shintoism, Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism. Special attention is given to the syncretic nature of Japanese spirituality, which integrates elements of various teachings into a unified cultural paradigm. The author explores how these traditions have shaped the aesthetic preferences, social norms, and behavioral models characteristic of Japanese civilization. The paper emphasizes the importance of the religious and philosophical heritage in preserving Japan's cultural identity amid historical transformations and globalization.