This book synthesizes perspectives on how ‘place’ is deeply intertwined with our spirituality and well-being. Split into three sections, this book brings together contributions from global scholars across a range of disciplines to unravel how the personal, social, and cultural spheres of place shape our spiritual experiences and overall well-being. It is an essential read for those interested in enriching their knowledge of the linkages between place, spirituality, and well-being, while also providing a foundation for future research on place and its intersections with both spirituality and well-being.

It is no secret that Christianity has been widely rejected in Japan with less than two percent of the population identifying as Christian. The dominant worldview in Japan is deeply animistic, with beliefs such as the Japanese mana-concept, ki (気), the Japanese soul-concept, and the concept of God/god(s), kami (神), being deeply rooted in the culture and fundamentally influencing society. Dr Martin Heißwolf, with his years of experience in Japan, critically examines Japanese animism in light of core Christian beliefs, such as the concepts of “peace” and “salvation.” Central to Japanese people’s rejection of Christian truth is the diametric opposition of its supernatural message to the natural focus of Japanese animistic folk religion. Heißwolf’s meticulous study is framed squarely within missiological thought and praxis so Christians serving in Japanese contexts are better able to communicate the message of the gospel by more fully understanding Japanese people, people by whom God wants to be known.

HOW MUCH IS LIFE TRULY WORTH? Kusunoki used to believe he was destined for great things. Ostracized as a child, he held on to a belief that a good life was waiting for him in the years ahead. Now approaching the age of twenty, he's a completely mediocre college student with no motivation, no dreams, and no money. After learning he can sell his remaining years-and just how little they're worth-he chooses to divest himself of all but his last three months. Has Kusunoki truly destroyed his last chance to find happiness...or has he somehow found it?

Religion Online provides an accessible and comprehensive introduction to this burgeoning new religious reality, from cyberpilgrimages to neo-pagan chatroom communities. A substantial introduction by the editors presenting the main themes and issues is followed by sixteen chapters addressing core issues of concern such as youth, religion and the internet, new religious movements and recruitment, propaganda and the countercult, and religious tradition and innovation.

Turning Pages is J L Carey Jr's collection of existential poems, which revolve around the mythological Japanese priest, Ajari - Joan. Legend states that the priest, Ajari - Joan, lived in a temple at the top of a mountain (Hakkotsu - San), but after entering the village at the base, fell in love with a beautiful young woman. Ajari - Joan broke his vows only to go insane. Cursed, he began wandering the mountain until, in his old age, he regained his wits, sat down and began to pray. As the priest died his bones continued to pray and it is said that one can still hear his haunting chants today on Skeleton Mountain. Some praise from the book: "There is an intrinsic universal truth to his work that transcends religious, political and cultural barriers." - Christine Bruness, Author of Alley Cat. "A magical paperback poetry collection from American poet, J L Carey Jr." - Helium, Paul Rance

This is the story of August 14 and 15. Shintaro Kisaragi--self-appointed guardian of his domestic domain--has refused to leave the comfort of his room for two whole years. But Shintaro's life is about to take an unexpected turn when his computer crashes and he is forced to venture into the world he was happy to shut out forever...and stumbles right into the middle of a hostage situation!