In continuous print since 1969, this text has helped establish the treatment of Japanese religion as a unified worldview, offering a concise yet thorough look at the culture and history of the Japanese religion. This text helps students see Japanese religion as a whole, rather than as disconnected religious traditions. No technical knowledge of Japanese history, Japanese religion, or the Japanese language is required for understanding the material. JAPANESE RELIGION has been used in Japan and Europe, as well as in North America.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction. 2. Persistent Themes In Japanese Religious History. Part One: THE FORMATION OF JAPANESE RELIGION. 3. The Prehistoric Heritage. 4. Early Shinto. 5. Early Japanese Buddhism: Indian Influence with Chinese Coloration. 6. Confucianism and Taoism: Chinese Importations. 7. Folk Religion: Religiosity Outside Organized Religion. 8. Interaction in the Formation of Japanese Religion. Part Two: THE DEVELOPMENT AND ELABORATION OF JAPANESE RELIGION. 9. The Development of a Japanese Buddhism: Shingon and Tendai. 10. Elaboration Within Japanese Buddhism: Pure Land, Nichiren, and Zen Buddhism. 11. The Development of Medieval Shinto. 12. The Appearance of Christianity in Japan. 13. The Five Traditions: Development and Mutual Influence. Part Three: FORMALISM AND RENEWAL IN JAPANESE RELIGION. 14. Buddhism, Neo-Confucianism, and Restoration Shinto in the Tokugawa Period. 15. The Meiji Restoration and Nationalistic Shinto. 16. Religious Currents from 1868 to 1945. 17. Two New Religions: Tenrikyo and Soka Gakkai. 18. Religion in Postwar Japan. 19. Religious Life in Contemporary Japan. 20. Conclusion: The Challenge for Japanese Religion.