Between Matsuris and Masses : A case study on how Japanese and Finnish university level students view and define religion

Researching religion academically is particularly interesting due to its characteristics. For example, to this day there is no precise definition of it (Aden). The main aim of this study is to look at religion from the point of view of university level students in Japan and Finland to find out how they would define religion and being religious. The study also investigates how religion has affected these participants on a personal level, for instance, their views, morals and behavior. The main data collection was concluded using semi-structured interviews, analyzing and comparing the results from students studying in Tsuru, Japan and Seinäjoki, Finland. Background information and previous studies concerning the major religions were used to confirm and test the findings. Most of the participants showcased the lack of interest and importance of religion. All of them had participated in religious activity before. Many participants also expressed that the major religions of their home countries are a significant part of the country's culture. The main difference between the Japanese and Finnish results was that they define religion and being religious vastly differently. The Japanese participants also emphasized the influence of their family and surroundings more greatly than the Finnish participants, when it comes to religion.