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JAPANESE RICHES
The Japanese people are rich, but they are extremely poor in spirit,” says Kousuke Sanpei, director of the Agon-shu Buddhist sect’s Tokyo center. For the first time in history Japanese workers are earning more per capita than their American counterparts. Tokyo’s streets are choked with Mercedes-Benz’s, BMWs and Jaguars. But while these upwardly mobile shinjinrui, or new breed, have money, psychologists and sociologists have concluded their money hasn’t brought happiness. “Japanese are materially affluent, but they feel lost emotionally,” said Toshihiko Hara, professor of social psychology at Sapporo’s Tokai University. “They are looking for anything that will appeal to their emotions. They don’t want logic. And they want a quick return for their devotion — otherwise they will leave. Which is why there are so many new religions in Japan, all offering something new and fast.” From the Chicago Tribune, July 8, 1990, “Japan’s Neo-Religions Draw Spirit-Poor Rich”