In this presentation, I will introduce the religious perspective in Japan and explain how the freedom of religion and the principle of separation of church and state stipulated in the Japanese Constitution are understood in order to clarify the distinctive characteristics of Japan. The relationship between the state and religion differs depending on each country's historical and social conditions. Accordingly, this presentation focuses on Japan's historical and social conditions. First, regarding Japan's historical conditions, it is important to consider the significant political and social repercussions that arose from the close link between the state and Shintoism after the Meiji Restoration. Before and during WWII, the so-called "State Shinto" served as a spiritual pillar for the Japanese people. Although the Meiji Constitution nominally guaranteed freedom of religion, it imposed strict restrictions on religious groups incompatible with State Shinto. This dynamic changed significantly with the post-war Constitution of Japan, which clearly states the principle of separation of church and state and guarantees religious freedom. Next, as a social condition in Japan, religions have developed and coexisted within a pluralistic and multilayered framework. Rather than existing solely as objects of faith, the ideas and practices of Shinto, Buddhism, Christianity, and other traditions have deeply permeated cultural and social customs, becoming an integral part of Japanese society. By analyzing these historical and social dimensions, this presentation highlights the distinctive features of Japan's model of religious freedom and its implications for constitutional and societal frameworks. Additionally, it situates Japan's approach within a broader global context, offering insights into its unique position among constitutional democracies.