Shinto and Christian festivals: An analysis of the Japanese religious policy in wartime Singapore

Abstract

This thesis aims to study into Shinto and Christian festivals in wartime Singapore. It also provides an analysis on the Japanese religious policy by looking into Shinto and Christian festivals. When the Japanese occupied Singapore, they employed Shinto as a tool to manage the Singapore populace to strengthen their political rule. Through the institution of the Shinto festivals, the Japanese strove to unite the Singapore populace in obedience of the Japanese emperor. Faced with a heterogeneous population with different races and religions, the Japanese occupiers realized that they had to manage religious differences carefully. So, they adopted a religious tolerant attitude towards the native religions. While promoting their Shinto festivals, they never failed to show themselves to be supportive towards other religious celebrations. This thesis is interested in examining how the Japanese rulers assert their Shinto influences on one hand, yet tactfully handles and accommodate other religious differences at the same time. Christian festivals were specially chosen to analyze how the Japanese managed conflicting monotheistic religious belief with their Shinto faith. This thesis hopes to enhance understanding of the Japanese religious policy during wartime Singapore.