Spirits, Satellites and a User-Friendly Religion: Agonshū and the New Religions

Abstract

Probably the single most discussed and dynamic phenomenon in the Japanese religious world in the past few decades has been the rise and proliferation of new religions (known in Japanese as shin shūkyō).¹ Since the early nineteenth century many hundreds of religious movements have developed in Japan in a constant process of flux, growth, decline and renewal. Some have flourished and grown into massive organisations.