Japan Belief System

Belief systems are an established, orderly way that groups or individuals look at religious faith or philosophical principles. Some belief systems have spread outside their places of origin. The diffusion of these belief systems has affected other societies and regions in various ways. Two belief systems that diffused into other regions of the world were the Islamic faith in West Africa and Confucianism to Japan by way of Korea.

Muslims obeyed and submitted to Allah through the Five Pillars. Through his prophet Muhammad, they were able to understand allah and follow his ways. One way in which they showed devotion to allah was through the Five Pillars of Islam. These pillars (obligations) included Prayer five times a day facing Mecca, Charity

Confucius believed that the key to social order was to be found in everyone accepting their positions and responsibilities as found in the Five Relationships. No matter what position a person holds, there are responsibilities that follow that person. A ruler revives his subjects devotion/loyalty but he owes them just rule. The father (head of the family) is owed the loyalty of the son. The wife must respect the husband, the younger brother should show respect for the eldest brother and a friend must respect another friend. This idea influenced the social and political structure of China. China had a great impact/influence in Japan. The Korean peninsula linked China and the Japan. Confucianism travelled through Korea and then by sea to Japan (by trade and foreign missions). It arrived at about the same time Japan was trying to centralize its government under dynastic rule. Rulers adopted Confucianism and merged it with Japan's culture. Everyone received responsibilities like China to manifest a good of society. The teaching of filial piety influenced Japanese social life and family relationships. This provided structure for maintaining order. It also emphasized the authority of the