In Jainism, japa refers to the meditative repetition or chanting of sacred mantras, names of Tirthankaras, or other auspicious phrases. This practice is a form of bhakti (devotion) and samyak dhyan (right meditation), helping to focus the mind and purify one's thoughts.

Japa is often performed using a mala (prayer beads), traditionally consisting of 108 beads, to keep track of the number of repetitions. Common mantras used in japa include the Namokar Mantra (Navkar Mantra), which is considered the most significant and powerful mantra in Jainism.

The purpose of japa in Jainism is to cultivate spiritual awareness, diminish passions (kashayas), and accumulate punya (merit), ultimately assisting the soul on the path toward liberation (moksha).