Prerequisites for Formation of Magical Thinking in Modern Japan

This work is devoted to the study of the reasons for the formation of a high level of magical thinking among the population of Japan. The relevance of the study lies in the fact that in recent years there has been a spread of magical thinking, which, as numerous studies show, is still characteristic of many cultures, including Japanese, and contrary to popular belief, does not become obsolete in the context of the spread of critical thinking, but continues to play an important role in people's lives. The main goal was to determine those factors that could potentially influence the development of superstitions, faith in luck, astrology and magical thinking of the population of Japan.The main goal was to determine those factors that could potentially influence the development of superstitions, faith in luck, astrology and magical thinking of the population of Japan. Several suggestions have been put forward about beliefs in magic that are widespread in Japan. The first assumption is that the high level of social, economic and political instability, as well as the tendency of the Japanese to avoid uncertainty, are a reason contributing to attempts of the Japanese society to create an illusion of control over the situation through magical thinking. In addition, the second suggestion is that there is some correlation between the external locus of control characteristic of collectivist cultures and magical thinking. Assumptions are also supported by real examples from the life of Japanese society. Keywords: magical thinking, superstitious thinking, Japanese society, Shinto