Harry Kreisler welcomes Susumu Shimazono, Professor of Religious Studies at the University of Tokyo to discuss popular religious movements in Japan. Shimazono discusses the origins of his interest in religious studies; the role of religion in modernization; and the emergence of new religions as a global phenomena in the 1970’s with special reference to Japanese examples. Shimazono distinguishes these spiritual movements from salvation religions by identifying their unique features and future evolution. He analyses the implications of new religions for politics and suggests their strengths and weaknesses as an enduring phenomena. Series: "Conversations with History" [Humanities] [Show ID: 18709]