Introducing Japanese Religion

An introduction to the religious traditions of Japan. This book explores Japanese Religious Movements, including Aum Shrinrikyo. It is an ideal resource for students who are beginning their studies of the religious traditions of Japan.

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Introducing Japanese Religion is the ideal resource for students who are beginning their studies in the religious traditions of Japan. It offers a living picture of traditional and contemporary Japanese culture, and a rich understanding of the history and practice of religions in Japan.


Robert Ellwood explores the religious heritage of this fascinating country, from the dawn of spirituality to the present day. He gives special attention to the traditions of Shinto, the different forms of Buddhism in Japan, including Shingon and Tendai, and Confucianism. He also explores Japanese New Religious Movements, including Aum Shrinrikyo. Each religion is clearly described in terms of its history, practice, sociology and organization, and Ellwood emphasizes how in practice Japanese religion interacts and intermingles. Finally, Ellwood discusses the influence of Japan on popular culture, including discussion of animé, and the transmission of Japanese spiritual, mythical and religious themes to the rest of the world.


Introducing Japanese Religion also includes illustrations, lively quotations from original sources, learning goals, summary boxes, questions for discussion, suggestions for further reading and a glossary to aid study and revision. The accompanying website for this book can be found at www.routledge.com/textbooks/9780415774260.