What percentage of Japan’s population adheres to Shinto or Buddhist practices?

The correct choice indicates that approximately 84% of Japan's population is engaged in Shinto or Buddhist practices. This figure reflects the deep-rooted cultural and spiritual significance of these religions within Japanese society.

Shinto, as the indigenous spirituality of Japan, encompasses a broad array of rituals and beliefs tied to the environment, ancestors, and kami (spiritual beings). Meanwhile, Buddhism, which was introduced to Japan from China and Korea, has integrated with Shinto practices over centuries, leading to a unique religious landscape where many individuals may identify with both traditions.

The high percentage is indicative of how spiritual practices, such as visiting shrines and temples, participating in festivals, and observing rituals, are commonly experienced in daily life, often without the need for strict doctrinal adherence. This creates a cultural practice unique to Japan, where many people might not actively identify as religious in the western sense but still participate in these practices as part of their cultural heritage and community life.

The other percentages listed do not accurately represent the cultural reality in Japan, as they underestimate the prevalence of these spiritual practices in the lives of its people. Thus, understanding the cultural context and the blending of these two religions clarifies why 84% is a fitting representation of the population