Japanese Culture

Japanese Culture

Major Courses

−

School of Economics and Management

All

KCCBG1MCA1

2.00Credits

講義 (Lecture)

Spring semester 2026

(Spring semester)

Tamas Carmen

School of Economics and Management

English

4／16

By appointment・B307

tamas@em.u-hyogo.ac.jp

1◎／2◎／3◎

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N/a

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The role of ritual practices in a country that has more than one festival on any given day of the year cannot be denied. It is a highly significant one that has pervaded the everyday life, where many gestures have acquired a ritual meaning, be it social or sacred.
Course objectives: The present course aims to offer an overview of contemporary Japanese society with a focus on sacred rituals (related to religious practices) and profane rituals, those daily practices that have gained ritual characteristics: cyclic repetition in a pre-determined space, with pre-determined participants, roles, and activities.
Learning outcomes: Upon completing this course the students will acquire an understanding of basic terminology (mythology studies, ritual studies, anthropology), as well as a general view of Japanese rituals and their relationship to contemporary Japanese society.

Ritual studies, mythology, Japanese culture, matsuri

1. Class overview. Introduction to anthropology and ritual studies. Japanese mythology
2. Tools, methods and theoretical frameworks
3. Japanese mythology from a comparative perspective
4. Ritual Japan. Shrine and temple, religious syncretism I
5. Ritual Japan. Shrine and temple, religious syncretism II
6. Purification rituals and practices
7. Review/ Fieldtrip
8. Midterm presentations
9. Ascetic practices in contemporary Japan
10. Introduction to Japanese Festivals
11. Festivals and rituals I
12. Festivals and rituals II
13. Yamabushi and their practices
14. Sacred performances
15. Review

In-person

• In-person classes only
• Not subject to the cap on distance-education credits

Limited permission for use

AI may be used for the purpose of translating materials or identifying sources (which must be verified with the original document/ text) ONLY.

Class materials will be distributed by the instructor.

1. Tamas, Carmen Sapunaru. Ritual Practices and Daily Rituals. An Introduction to the World of Matsuri, Pro Universitaria, Bucharest 2018
2. Tamas, Carmen Sapunaru. Beliefs, Ritual Practices, and Celebrations in Kansai, Pro Universitaria, Bucharest 2020
3. Tamas, Carmen Sapunaru. Beliefs, Ritual Practices, and Celebrations in Kansai II, Pro Universitaria, Bucharest 2022
4. Tamas, Carmen Sapunaru. Beliefs, Ritual Practices, and Celebrations in Kansai III, Pro Universitaria, Bucharest 2023

The above-indicated sources are available online. A more detailed list of references will be distributed in class.

Students are expected to spend approximately 60 minutes reading the required class materials, and approximately 30 minutes reviewing the content of each class.

Field trips to various matsuri/ ritual practices will be organized, and students will have the opportunity of actively joining one of Japan's three great festivals, Tenjin Matsuri.

Grading criteria

S 90%~) excellent (thorough mastery of course material & concepts)
A (80%~) good (proficient grasp of most course material & concepts)
B (70%~) fair (general understanding of principal course material & concepts)
C (60%~) poor but passing (superficial familiarity with some course material)
In order to obtain the credits for this course, at least a C (60%) is necessary.

Evaluation methods

active contribution to class activities 40% (discussions, presentations), final exam 60%

Students will receive feedback during class discussion and after their presentations.

Students are expected to read the indicated materials before coming to class, so that they can actively take part in discussions.

Based on the instructor's 15 year fieldwork experience, a short research trip will be scheduled as part of the class.