[Paul11]

You are correct that it may be our view of religion that presents the hurdle. Most members of non-western cultures don't view religion as a seperate topic unto itself. It is an unseperable part of life. It is intertwined with and just part of our actions and beliefs in a way that, while able to be articulated and understood by an individual, is usually an unconscious part of it all.

Most Japanese I know say they are not religious (i.e. claiming no religion or participating in regular devotions) but appear much more religious than other people I know. It is just part of the way of thinking.

If you visit Japan you might notice this as well as people appearing to be overtly superstitious.

the debate between those studying Japan, I beleive, is due to a shallow understanding of religion as well as the innability to accept/understand dichotomy. There is a great quote by a Japanese zen "master" the effect of: Only an immature mind is unable to understand reconcile dichotomy/contradiction.