This article focuses on two indigenous Japanese psychotherapies; Morita and Naikan therapy. The traditional theories and practices of each therapy is separately presented and commented. Specific criticisms of Morita therapy include a review of its indebtedness to Zen Buddhism, some questions concerning the feasibility of applying Morita therapy outside of Japan, and an analysis of Morita therapy's claimed 60-65 o success rate. The critique of Naikan therapy is concerned with its relationship to Buddhism and its use of the Japanese concept of obligation. The commonalities of the indigenous Japanese therapies are summarized and the directive nature of these therapies is related to research on locus of control and therapy preferences. Lastly, there is a discussion of the indigenous Japanese therapies relationship to western therapies and the west.