I think this comment in the message boards needs to be highlighted:
I think it's important to know that functionally, stated atheism in Japan is quite different than stated atheism in the west. In Japan, "religion" (the word itself in Japanese: "shuukyo" was a Meiji era invention), is generally seen as a family affair, namely funerals. Actual religious practice such as shrine visiting or New Year's is seen as cultural despite the fact that people are going through religious motions such as prayer and charm buying. The act of buying charms in and of itself is interesting. A professor of mine called it "just in case religion". If you ask them point blank whether they believe that the kami will stop them from getting into an auto accident by means of a charm on the bumper, the majority will say "No", but when pressed will say that they got it ...
