Only 34% of Households Have a Buddhist Altar; 40% Prefer 'Compact Sizes for Living Rooms'

In the past, Japanese homes featured dedicated Buddhist rooms or alcoves, with the altar serving as the centerpiece. Today, however, with the rise of apartments and Western-style rooms, perceptions regarding where and how to place altars are changing. Many people feel that while they want an altar, it doesn't fit their current living space. To address this, we conducted a survey of 500 men and women nationwide in collaboration with 'Nagomi Kobo.' The survey revealed that only 34.2% of respondents have a Buddhist altar at home, while 65.8% do not. As housing styles become more Westernized and nuclear families become the norm, owning an altar is becoming a minority practice. While 48.5% still view the altar as an 'important presence,' there is a strong association with 'traditional' or 'Japanese-style rooms,' leading to a sense of mismatch with modern homes. Conversely, 45.6% of respondents said they would be willing to place an altar if it featured a design that blends into a living room or modern space. Regarding size, 39.8% preferred a 'compact size that fits in the living room,' underscoring a clear need for space-saving solutions that still honor ancestral traditions.