Structure of Healing in Contemporary Japan - An Analysis of Mizuko kuyo

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In this research project we carried out two kinds of survey research. One is a research in which we asked Mizuko kuyo temples (i. e., those temples which offer Mizuko kuyo services) and those professionals concerning psychic phenomena(called "shinrei-ka" in Japanese). And the other is a research where we asked all the temples in Kyoto City about Mizuko kuyo. Our findings are summarized as follows.(1)Most of Mizuko kuyo temples begarx Mizuko kuyo services only after 1965.(2)Recently the number. of Mizuko kuyo clients has leveled off. This dose not mean Mizuko kuyo ceased to be popular but means that the custom has been established as a cultural item in Japanese society.(3)Almost 80% of Mizuko kuyo temples charge 1, 000 yen to 30, 000 yen for a service, and 60% of them run Mizuko kuyo services Jess than ten times per a month, which means that Mizuko kuyo is relatively a small business for each temple.(4)Many of Mizuko kuyo clients are in their twenties. In most cases, they have their own Mizukos. That is, most of them themselves have had abortions. Filled with guilty feeling or fear of "tatari" (revenge) of Mizukos, they go to temples.(5)About 35% of all the temples in Kyoto City offer Mizuko kuyo services.