JAPANESE JOURNAL OF RELIGIOUS STUDIES
Scope & Guideline
Fostering Insightful Dialogues on Religion and Society
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 Media and Religion
Exploring the Intersection of Faith and MediaThe 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.
Ilu-Revista de Ciencias de las Religiones
Bridging Disciplines to Illuminate Spiritual PhenomenaIlu-Revista de Ciencias de las Religiones is a distinguished academic journal published by UNIV COMPLUTENSE MADRID, SERVICIO PUBLICACIONES, focusing on the interdisciplinary examination of religion through the lenses of both Philosophy and Religious Studies. With an ISSN of 1135-4712 and an E-ISSN of 1988-3269, this journal has established itself as a valuable resource within its field, evidenced by its consistent presence in Scopus rankings. In 2023, it holds a Q3 quartile rank in both Philosophy and Religious Studies, providing a platform for the dissemination of significant scholarly work. The journal aims to facilitate rigorous academic discussion and promote research that explores the complexities of religion in contemporary society. Although it operates under traditional access guidelines, its relevance is underscored by the range of topics covered, appealing to researchers, professionals, and students eager to deepen their understanding of religious phenomena. With a commitment to enhancing interdisciplinary dialogue, Ilu invites contributions that offer innovative insights and foster intellectual inquiry among diverse audiences.
RELIGIOUS STUDIES
Navigating the Complexities of Belief SystemsRELIGIOUS STUDIES, published by Cambridge University Press, is a prestigious journal dedicated to the exploration of diverse religious traditions and philosophical inquiries. With an ISSN of 0034-4125 and an E-ISSN of 1469-901X, this journal has established itself as a pivotal platform for scholarly dialogue since its inception in 1965, continuing its impactful contributions until 2024. The journal is ranked in the top quartile (Q1) in both Philosophy and Religious Studies, illustrating its significant standing within the academic community; it holds an impressive Scopus rank of #64 in Religious Studies and #180 in Philosophy, placing it in the 90th and 77th percentiles respectively. Though not open access, RELIGIOUS STUDIES offers critical insights and original research that address contemporary issues in spirituality, ethics, and interreligious dialogue, making it an essential resource for researchers, professionals, and students alike seeking to deepen their understanding of the complex interplay between religion and society.
Review of Religion and Chinese Society
Bridging Insights Between Religion and Chinese SocietyThe Review of Religion and Chinese Society, published by BRILL, is an esteemed journal that provides a critical platform for scholarly discourse at the intersection of religion and society within the Chinese context. Since its inception, the journal has devoted itself to exploring the complexities of religious practices, beliefs, and their socio-cultural implications in China, making it an invaluable resource for researchers, professionals, and students alike. With an H-index indicative of its academic rigor and a commendable ranking in the Q3 quartile across multiple fields including Arts and Humanities and Cultural Studies, this journal stands out for its insightful articles that contribute significantly to the advancement of knowledge and understanding in religious studies. Although currently not open access, it ensures wide academic reach through its distribution channels and maintains a strong emphasis on high-quality, peer-reviewed research. For those invested in the dynamic interplay of religion and society in contemporary China, the Review of Religion and Chinese Society is an essential publication that fosters academic engagement and dialogue.
Journal of Religion in Europe
Fostering Insight into Religion's Impact on SocietyThe 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.
Religions
Fostering Inclusive Dialogue on Global SpiritualityReligions, published by MDPI, stands as a premier open-access journal in the field of religious studies, having been established in 2010. With its E-ISSN 2077-1444, this journal is dedicated to advancing scholarly dialogue and research on a broad spectrum of religious phenomena, examined through interdisciplinary lenses that encompass historical, sociocultural, and philosophical perspectives. Based in Switzerland at ST ALBAN-ANLAGE 66, the journal has garnered a reputation for its rigorous academic standards, as evidenced by its 2023 Q1 ranking in Religious Studies and its impressive position within the top 90th percentile among its peers, ranking #59 out of 644 in the Scopus Arts and Humanities category. Access to cutting-edge research is made freely available to all readers, promoting inclusivity and collaboration in study pursuits. With a commitment to exploring the complexities of belief systems worldwide up to the year 2024, Religions is an essential resource for researchers, professionals, and students seeking to deepen their understanding of the dynamics that shape religious experience and discourse.
Nova Religio-Journal of Alternative and Emergent Religions
Exploring the Frontiers of Faith and BeliefNova Religio: Journal of Alternative and Emergent Religions, published by University of California Press, stands at the forefront of the exploration of contemporary religious movements, innovative spiritual practices, and the complexities of belief systems outside of mainstream religion. With an impressive Q1 ranking in the Religious Studies category and a position in the top 86th percentile within its field, this journal not only addresses the academic study of alternative religiosity but also fosters discussions on emergent phenomena that are reshaping spiritual landscapes globally. As a critical platform for researchers, professionals, and students alike, Nova Religio provides rigorous peer-reviewed articles and reviews, making significant contributions to our understanding of the dynamic interactions between religion, culture, and society. Although this journal does not offer Open Access options, it remains a crucial resource for anyone seeking to engage deeply with the evolving narratives within the realm of religious studies.
JOURNAL OF RELIGION IN AFRICA
Unraveling the Complexities of African Religious PracticesThe 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 Theology-A Journal of Contemporary Religious Discourse
Exploring the Depths of Contemporary FaithReligion and Theology - A Journal of Contemporary Religious Discourse is a prestigious scholarly journal published by BRILL, located in the Netherlands. With its ISSN 1023-0807 and E-ISSN 1574-3012, the journal serves as a vital platform for scholarly discourse in the fields of Religious Studies and Social Sciences, achieving notable recognition with a 2023 Q2 ranking in Religious Studies and Q3 in Social Sciences (miscellaneous). Understanding the complexities of contemporary religious dynamics is crucial, and this journal publishes high-quality, peer-reviewed articles that advance knowledge and stimulate thought through interdisciplinary dialogue. With a strong commitment to academic rigor since its inception in 1996, it has created a significant impact within the academic community, evidenced by its Scopus Ranks, where it stands at #196 out of 644 in Religious Studies and #446 out of 604 in Social Sciences. Researchers, professionals, and students engaged in the study of religion, cultures, and societal effects of belief systems will find this journal an indispensable resource. This publication embraces open discussions and encourages diverse perspectives, facilitating an enriching environment for both contributors and readers alike in understanding the evolving landscape of religious thought.
Journal of Religion in Japan
Charting New Frontiers in Japanese Religious StudiesJournal of Religion in Japan, published by BRILL, is a premier academic journal that explores the multifaceted dimensions of religion within the context of Japan. With an ISSN of 2211-8330 and an E-ISSN of 2211-8349, this journal boasts a remarkable position in the field, holding a Q1 ranking in Religious Studies and a commendable 85th percentile ranking in Scopus, indicating its significant impact and recognition among scholars. Covering pivotal themes such as the interplay between tradition and modernity in Japanese religious practices, the journal serves as a critical resource for researchers, professionals, and students, providing in-depth analyses, cutting-edge research findings, and thoughtful discussions. The journal's availability from 2012 to 2024 showcases its commitment to continuous exploration and engagement in religious studies, offering invaluable insights into the dynamic landscape of religion in contemporary Japan.