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| Rodri |
 Posted: May 09, 2007 5:55 pm |
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ネコに風船
Joined: 14 Mar 2007
Posts: 560
Location: Quito, Ecuador
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Hi!..
I'm a bit confused, I saw some pics of Ai wearing catholic or christian symbols and in the kimi iro omoi photobook she is on a church.
So..what religion is Ai-chin??? |
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| zyzzyva |
| Posted: May 10, 2007 6:26 pm |
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クムリウタ
Joined: 07 Aug 2005
Posts: 607
Location: California
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Hello.
While I don't think that Ai herself has ever given a definitive answer regarding her religion, my [educated] guess is that she, like the majority of Japanese, follows a combination of Shinto and Buddhist beliefs.
Shinto
Buddhism in Japan
Religion in Japan [- includes info about Christianity in Japan]
As the 'Cultural Effects' section of the above Shinto entry succinctly points out, Shinto beliefs and practices are inextricably intertwined with Japanese cultural traditions and daily life. So even if someone isn't explicitly 'religious,' the beliefs/tenets are there.
[Not exactly definitive, but if you look at the LOVE-chan wallpapers drawn by Ai, they mainly focus on Japanese cultural holidays/traditions (except Valentine's) w/ no mention of Easter or other Christian observances. Even though these are aimed at a Japanese audience (less than 1% Christian), I would think if Ai *was* Christian the calendar would reflect this...]
For an abridged explanation of the 'combo,' try Ch-Ai's very own Educate yourself- Shintoism and japanese buddhism Thread, with insightful info from Tatsuka Ito and +Fumi. 
A note from zyzzyva's post in the Educate yourself- Shintoism and japanese buddhism Thread wrote: [...M]ost Japanese follow Shinto in life, but are Buddhist in death. The concept of reincarnation as a form of afterlife is to some much more appealing than just being absorbed into the great collection of kami.
There's even the term 葬式仏教（そうしきぶっきょう、soushiki bukkyou), or 'Funeral Buddhism,' to describe this unique 'lifestyle.'
As for the Christian/Catholic symbols, generally speaking, they are often used in the East (where the forms of Christianity are in the minority) just as another motif or symbol for artistic means (for the look). A cross is not meant to evoke the Christ's sacrifice etc., but rather evoke a sacred/opulent/Gothic/etc. feel. This is in contrast to in the West, where stars will incorporate or avoid specific religious symbols based on whether or not they belong to that particular religion.
The church in the photobook, I would assume, was chosen mostly for its architectural beauty and dramatic atmosphere. Also to note: artists usually don't have much say in location/styling for photoshoots/books--it's often completely the vision of the director, artistic director, and/or producer of the project. The artist has more control/input surrounding single/album-specific work, but not absolute.
I hope this makes sense and helps somewhat answer your question.  |
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| Rodri |
| Posted: May 10, 2007 6:39 pm |
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ネコに風船
Joined: 14 Mar 2007
Posts: 560
Location: Quito, Ecuador
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| Thanks a lot!!..lol...now I understand.. ...I wasn't sure what religion they have in japan.. |
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| .::carlito::. |
| Posted: May 10, 2007 6:46 pm |
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ポケット
Joined: 14 Oct 2006
Posts: 2257
Location: Melbourne, Australia
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Yeah, I always wondered what religion Ai believed in. I reckon zyzzyva's prediction is right! Thanks zyzzyva! It's good to see you back!  |
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| zyzzyva |
| Posted: May 10, 2007 7:21 pm |
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クムリウタ
Joined: 07 Aug 2005
Posts: 607
Location: California
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| +Fumi |
| Posted: May 10, 2007 10:37 pm |
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上塩タン焼680円
Joined: 12 Nov 2006
Posts: 339
Location: southern California
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| I also like zyzzyva's posting very much! but anyway she is very knowledgeable person. Usually we like Buddhist for events in life that are sad or difficult (like funeral or memory of relative) and we like Shinto for events that are happy or natural (like wedding or ask local god for some favor). But this is not always rule, okay? because we go to Buddhist temple on New Year morning to ring bell, yes? 108 times, this is good! not sad. |
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| naokice |
| Posted: Jun 01, 2007 9:51 pm |
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Happy Days
Joined: 14 May 2005
Posts: 113
Location: California, USA
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| thanks for the explanation on the religion of the japanese! i love my buddhist peoples =p |
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| Impracticable |
| Posted: Jul 09, 2007 9:20 pm |
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さくらんぼ
Joined: 16 Jan 2007
Posts: 39
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| Yes .. it seems many Japanese stars make references to "God" or Catholic religion even if they arent (or if they are ... XD) Ayumi Hamasaki (example: M PV) and Namie Amuro (example: Lovin' It) both have ... |
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| sljinu |
| Posted: Aug 29, 2007 7:21 am |
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フレンジャー
Joined: 02 Aug 2007
Posts: 901
Location: Australia
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| Another example of the heavy Christian references is from Shin Seiki Evangelion, where explosions where in the cross shape, and also Unit-01 was crucified like Jesus was on the cross in The End of Evangelion i think. Hideaki Anno said so anyway... |
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| love_cherry |
| Posted: Mar 14, 2008 2:58 pm |
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Happy Days
Joined: 09 Jun 2007
Posts: 120
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| I think Ai believes in Shintoism. I mean, if you watch the "Bokura no Ongaku" special on Ai, she visits and prays at a shrine in Osaka. But... That's all that can be gathered. |
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| Kennyronzo |
| Posted: Apr 22, 2008 12:16 pm |
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さくらんぼ
Joined: 08 Apr 2008
Posts: 31
Location: Kuala Lumpur Malaysia
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sljinu wrote: Another example of the heavy Christian references is from Shin Seiki Evangelion, where explosions where in the cross shape, and also Unit-01 was crucified like Jesus was on the cross in The End of Evangelion i think. Hideaki Anno said so anyway...
Haha about this, the entire show was actually inspired from the bible. U can tell straight from the title "neon GENESIS EVAgelion".Used to be a big fan of that show
hehe |
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| Crystallas |
| Posted: Apr 29, 2008 8:53 am |
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金魚花火
Joined: 29 Apr 2008
Posts: 164
Location: Germany
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| I think too, that she is shintoism. She was only fpr these photobook in a chirch. Thats my attitude. but the subject is already severed ! |
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wrote:
Thanks. I'm around, just posting too much is still not an option right now.