Religion and Spirituality in East Asian Societies
A survey in Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and neighboring Vietnam finds many people don’t identify with a religion but say they believe in unseen beings, venerate ancestors’ spirits and engage in ritual practices.
- 6 facts about religion and spirituality in East Asian societies
- Rituals honoring deceased ancestors vary widely in East and Southeast Asia
- Many adults in East and Southeast Asia support free speech, are open to societal change
- Across Asia, respect for elders is seen as necessary to be ‘truly’ Buddhist