JAPANESE JOURNAL OF RELIGIOUS STUDIES
Scope & Guideline
Charting New Territories in Religious Scholarship
Introduction
Aims and Scopes
- Interdisciplinary Approaches to Religion:
The journal emphasizes interdisciplinary methodologies, merging history, sociology, anthropology, and philosophy to deliver nuanced analyses of religious phenomena in Japan. - Historical Contextualization:
A significant aim of the journal is to contextualize religious practices within historical frameworks, particularly focusing on periods such as the Edo, Meiji, and postwar eras. - Cultural and Social Implications of Religion:
The journal frequently explores how religious beliefs and practices intersect with cultural identity, social movements, and political landscapes in Japan. - Diversity of Religious Traditions:
It showcases a wide array of religious traditions, including Buddhism, Shinto, and new religious movements, reflecting the pluralistic nature of Japanese spirituality. - Thematic Studies on Modernity and Tradition:
The journal often examines the tension between modernity and tradition in Japanese religious practices, analyzing how they adapt or resist contemporary societal changes.
Trending and Emerging
- Religion and Identity Formation:
A growing focus on how religious beliefs shape personal and communal identities in modern Japan is evident, reflecting broader societal conversations about belonging and cultural heritage. - Political Dimensions of Religion:
Recent papers increasingly examine the intersection of religion and politics, especially in the context of postwar Japan, indicating heightened interest in how religious movements influence political discourse. - Impact of Globalization on Japanese Religions:
There is a notable trend towards exploring the effects of globalization on Japanese religious practices, particularly how international influences reshape domestic beliefs and community dynamics. - Health and Spirituality:
Emerging themes regarding the relationship between spirituality and health, particularly in the context of dying and end-of-life practices, signify a shift towards personal and existential concerns within religious studies. - Gender and Religion:
The journal is increasingly addressing themes of gender within religious contexts, particularly focusing on female experiences and roles in various Japanese religious traditions.
Declining or Waning
- Historical Narratives of Individual Sects:
There has been a noticeable decrease in detailed studies focused solely on individual sects' historical narratives, possibly due to a growing interest in broader, interdisciplinary approaches. - Premodern Religious Practices:
Research centered on premodern religious practices, while still relevant, seems to have diminished in frequency, suggesting a shift towards contemporary analyses and modern implications. - Narrow Focus on Traditional Rituals:
The journal appears to be moving away from narrowly focused studies on traditional rituals, in favor of exploring their socio-political contexts and modern adaptations. - Regional Studies of Religion:
There is a waning interest in region-specific religious studies, as the journal increasingly adopts a national or transnational perspective on Japanese religion. - Comparative Studies with Other Cultures:
Comparative analyses between Japanese religions and those from other cultures are becoming less frequent, indicating a potential narrowing of focus to domestic religious issues.
Similar Journals
JOURNAL OF RELIGION IN AFRICA
Charting the Evolution of Belief in the African ContextThe JOURNAL OF RELIGION IN AFRICA, published by BRILL, serves as a pivotal academic platform dedicated to the exploration and analysis of religious practices, beliefs, and transformations across the African continent. Since its inception, the journal has developed a rich tapestry of scholarship that spans its convergence years from 1967 to 2024, with a particular focus on the historical and sociocultural dimensions of religion. Holding a distinguished position in its field, it ranks in the Q2 category in both History and Religious Studies for 2023, reflecting its significant impact and quality of research. With Scopus rankings placing it in the 69th percentile of Religious Studies, this journal is essential for researchers, students, and professionals interested in understanding the complexities of African religious dynamics. Although it is not an open-access journal, the rigorous peer-review process ensures that only high-quality manuscripts contribute to the ever-expanding discourse on religion in Africa. The journal's commitment to scholarly excellence makes it a vital resource for anyone seeking to engage deeply with the subject.
RELIGION AND AMERICAN CULTURE-A JOURNAL OF INTERPRETATION
Charting the Complexities of Belief in AmericaReligion and American Culture: A Journal of Interpretation, published by Cambridge University Press, is an essential platform for scholars interested in the dynamic interplay between religion and various facets of American life. With its ISSN 1052-1151 and E-ISSN 1533-8568, this journal has been contributing to the fields of Cultural Studies and Religious Studies since its inception in 1991. It is recognized for its diverse and interdisciplinary approach, reflecting the complexities of religious practices and beliefs in the American context. Positioned in the Q4 quartile for Cultural Studies and Q3 for Religious Studies in 2023, the journal ranks #304/644 in Religious Studies and #766/1304 in Cultural Studies according to Scopus, indicating a growing influence among researchers and academics. Although it operates under a traditional subscription model, it continually seeks to publish innovative research that fosters greater understanding of the cultural implications of religion in America. As a vital resource for researchers, professionals, and students alike, Religion and American Culture invites contributions that advance scholarly dialogue and interpretation within this significant area of study.
Journal of Korean Religions
Connecting Tradition and Modernity in Korean ReligionsJournal of Korean Religions, an esteemed publication under the Institute for the Study of Religion at Sogang University, serves as a vital platform for scholarly dialogue and research in the field of Religious Studies. Established in 2010, this journal, with its ISSN 2093-7288 and E-ISSN 2167-2040, explores diverse aspects of Korean religions, offering insights into historical, cultural, and contemporary practices. As a Q4 category journal for 2023, it holds a respectable rank of #250 out of 644 within the Scopus database, placing it in the 61st percentile among its peers. While primarily focusing on religious phenomena in Korea, it also engages with broader theoretical discussions that resonate with global religious studies. Available in the United States and operating out of Seoul, South Korea, the Journal of Korean Religions embraces open access options, welcoming contributions from researchers, professionals, and students interested in advancing the discourse on religious studies. With a commitment to academic rigor and innovative research, this journal is essential for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of the dynamic interplay between religion and society in Korea.
NUMEN-INTERNATIONAL REVIEW FOR THE HISTORY OF RELIGIONS
Unveiling Diverse Perspectives on Religious PhenomenaNUMEN-INTERNATIONAL REVIEW FOR THE HISTORY OF RELIGIONS is a prestigious academic journal published by BRILL, renowned for its rigorous scholarship in the fields of history and religious studies. Since its inception in 1954, this journal has served as a vital resource for researchers and scholars, covering diverse aspects of religious phenomena across cultures and epochs. With an impressive ranking of #76 in history and #29 in religious studies according to Scopus, its Q1 category distinction showcases its significant impact and relevance in the academic community, holding a remarkable 95th percentile ranking in these disciplines. While it does not currently offer Open Access, NUMEN ensures the dissemination of vital scholarly contributions to the history of religion. Researchers, professionals, and students alike will find in its pages a wealth of insightful articles that not only reflect the dynamic nature of religious studies but also stimulate further inquiry and debate in this critical field.
MONUMENTA NIPPONICA
Fostering Scholarly Discourse in Japanese StudiesMONUMENTA NIPPONICA, published by Sophia University in Japan, is a distinguished academic journal dedicated to the interdisciplinary study of Japanese culture, history, and society. With a long-standing tradition since 1979, this journal offers a platform for scholars to disseminate research that explores the nuanced complexities of Japan's past and present. Although currently not open access, MONUMENTA NIPPONICA is indexed in Scopus and boasts respectable quartile rankings, including Q3 in History and Q4 in Anthropology and Cultural Studies, reflecting its significant yet niche contribution to the field. The journal's commitment to fostering scholarly discourse makes it an invaluable resource for researchers, students, and professionals interested in Japanese studies. Its address in Tokyo places it at the heart of Japanese academic inquiry, serving as a beacon for inquiries into the rich tapestry of Japan's cultural heritage.
Religion and the Arts
Celebrating the Dynamic Relationship Between Belief and ArtistryReligion and the Arts is a distinguished scholarly journal published by BRILL, based in the Netherlands, with a dedicated focus on the interdisciplinary exploration of religion and its interplay with various artistic expressions from historical and contemporary perspectives. Established in 1996, this journal serves as a vital platform for researchers, professionals, and students interested in Cultural Studies, History, Religious Studies, and the Visual and Performing Arts. Despite its current classification in the Q4 category across multiple fields, it remains committed to advancing academic discourse and fostering innovative approaches to understanding the complex relationships between spirituality and artistic creation. With its ISSN 1079-9265 and E-ISSN 1568-5292, the journal invites submissions that contribute to enriching this dynamic field, ensuring that a diverse range of voices and perspectives are represented. Although not an Open Access publication, the journal’s content continues to be pivotal for scholarly engagement and is essential reading for those dedicated to the study of art's profound connections with religious traditions.
Journal of Media and Religion
Connecting Scholars in the Study of Faith and Media DynamicsThe Journal of Media and Religion is a leading interdisciplinary journal dedicated to exploring the complex interactions between media and religion. Published by Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd, this journal serves as a critical platform for researchers and practitioners within the fields of communication and religious studies. With an impressive impact factor and a distinguished ranking—placing it in the top quartile for Religious Studies and the second quartile for Communication—Journal of Media and Religion showcases high-quality research that enhances our understanding of how media influences religious practices and vice versa. The journal has been converging insightful contributions from 2010 to 2024, fostering scholarly dialogue and innovative methodologies. As an essential resource for academics, professionals, and students alike, it promotes open access to groundbreaking studies, facilitating the exchange of ideas that shape both fields.
RELIGION
Pioneering Scholarly Discourse on Faith and Its ImpactRELIGION, published by Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd, stands as a preeminent scholarly journal dedicated to the multifaceted study of religion across various disciplines. With an ISSN of 0048-721X and an E-ISSN of 1096-1151, this journal provides a rich platform for the exploration of religious phenomena, their historical contexts, and their sociopolitical implications. Since its inception in 1971, RELIGION has continually adapted to the evolving landscape of religious studies and maintains a prestigious Q1 ranking in History and Q2 in Sociology and Political Science, affirming its significance within these fields. Researchers and professionals will benefit from a robust selection of peer-reviewed articles that engage with contemporary issues, making significant contributions to both academic discourse and practical applications in society. While the journal is not open access, it continues to reach a wide audience, enhancing understanding in a diverse range of religious contexts and practices. This journal not only captures the pulse of current debates but also shapes the trajectory of future scholarship.
REVER-Revista de Estudos da Religiao
Fostering Critical Conversations in Religion and SocietyREVER - Revista de Estudos da Religião, published by the esteemed Pontifícia Universidade Católica de São Paulo, is a leading journal dedicated to the interdisciplinary study of religion, examining its interactions within cultural, social, and historical contexts. With its ISSN 1677-1222, the journal aims to foster dialogue among scholars, practitioners, and students, making significant contributions to the field of religious studies. Although Open Access options are not provided, REVER ensures the dissemination of high-quality research that adheres to rigorous academic standards. Researchers and professionals will find value in its rich array of articles, which encompass theoretical, empirical, and applied perspectives on religion and spirituality, thereby enhancing understanding and critical engagement with these vital areas of human experience. Situated in the vibrant city of São Paulo, Brazil, the journal also emphasizes regional studies while fostering global discourse, making it an indispensable resource in the field.
Journal of Religion in Europe
Advancing Knowledge on Religion's Role in EuropeThe Journal of Religion in Europe is a prestigious academic publication dedicated to exploring the intricate relationships between religion and European society. Published by BRILL, one of the world’s foremost publishers in the humanities, this journal holds a remarkable Q1 ranking in Religious Studies and is positioned in the 77th percentile of Scopus ranks, underscoring its significance in the field. With a focus on interdisciplinary research, the journal covers topics ranging from historical analyses to contemporary issues relating to religion across Europe. Although it operates under a traditional subscription model, readers can access a wealth of peer-reviewed articles that seek to advance scholarly discourse. The Journal of Religion in Europe serves as an essential resource for researchers, professionals, and students, fostering a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics of religion in a rapidly changing European landscape.