Toward Japanese Ways of Christian Worship - by Saya Ojiri (Hardcover)

About the Book

This book explores the socio-cultural dimensions of rice, ritual, and relationship in Japanese culture, utilizing critical resources drawn from the methodologies of liturgical inculturation, ritual studies, and postcolonial theory.

Book Synopsis

This book explores the socio-cultural dimensions of rice, ritual, and relationship in Japanese culture, utilizing critical resources drawn from the methodologies of liturgical inculturation, ritual studies, and postcolonial theory. It offers unique insights into the development of more deeply contextualized ways of worship in Japanese Christian churches. With Japan predominantly influenced by Shinto and Buddhism, and Christians making up less than one percent of the population, Christianity is often viewed as a Western/foreign religion. Despite this, little serious consideration of liturgical inculturation or contextualization has been undertaken by local Christians. Thus, this study's effort at such a beginning constitutes original research, seeking to offer new insights and approaches to liturgical inculturation, inviting broader perspectives on the subject, including considerations of social behaviour, ritual practice, and cultural identity. In particular, references to the work of Japanese theologian Masao Takenaka (, 1925-2006), an emphasis on performative orthopraxy, and the collective ethos of Japanese culture-together with concern for relationship-building with non-Christian culture and people-contribute to the development of unique and creative methods of liturgical inculturation in Japan.

Review Quotes

"Dr. Saya Ojiri's ground-breaking work on liturgical inculturation in Japan takes Japanese culture seriously as both a unique site of and enriching source for Christian worship. Her sensitive and sophisticated approach, informed by the indispensability of rice, the primacy of ritual, and the complexity of relationship, pushes us beyond the boundaries of western models, methods, and assumptions of liturgy. As with all faithful intercultural encounters, all our liturgies stand to be enriched and blessed by these Japanese ways of Christian worship." --The Rev. Dr. William S. Kervin, Associate Professor Emeritus of Public Worship, Emmanuel College of Victoria University in the University of Toronto, Canada

"This pioneering and interdisciplinary study of liturgical inculturation in Japan is deeply rooted in Japanese aesthetics and spirituality, as well as the rich discussion of the contextualization of theology and praxis in Asia. It offers insight into how the church can incarnate into a highly modernized and religiously pluralistic society. This book contributes to the diverse fields of liturgical studies, Japanese church history, and world Christianity. I highly recommend it." --Kwok Pui-lan, Episcopal Divinity School

"Through a vivid exploration of liturgical inculturation in Japan, Ojiri invites readers into a context where Christians are an extreme minority and multiple religious practice is widespread. The implications for other pluralistic contexts are immense. Ojiri issues a call to take practice rather than belief as a starting point for interreligious encounters, outlines a framework for contextualizing Christian worship that reckons with colonialism, and provides an array of new insights into practices such as baptism, communion, and congregational song." --Sarah Kathleen Johnson, Assistant Professor of Liturgy and Pastoral Theology, Saint Paul University, Ottawa, Canada

"Evangelistic efforts by non-Japanese have largely been thwarted by a lack of understanding the Japanese ethos since the sixteenth century. Often, Christianity is politely welcomed but has had minimal impact on the Japanese populace. In my view, this work by Dr. Saya Ojiri offers deep insight into the Japanese psyche and how localized Christian formation can take place. It is a book worth acquiring and reading if one seeks to dialog with the Japanese people about the Christian faith." --Lim, Swee-Hong, Deer Park associate professor of sacred music and director of the Master of Sacred Music program at Emmanuel College of Victoria University in the University of Toronto

"In this groundbreaking study, Saya Ojiri offers a rich and nuanced vision of liturgical inculturation in Japan. Drawing on the deeply symbolic triad of rice, ritual, and relationship, she illuminates how Christian worship can speak authentically within Japanese culture while remaining faithful to the gospel. With theological depth, postcolonial insight, and pastoral sensitivity, this book is a vital resource for anyone seeking to understand or practice contextual worship in Asia and beyond." --Ricky Manalo, CSP, PhD, Practical Theologian and Intercultural Liturgist

About the Author

Saya Ojiri holds a PhD in Theological Studies and a Master of Sacred Music degree from Emmanuel College of Victoria University in the University of Toronto.