Today’s Japanese Buddhism is vastly different from what the religion once was. A series exploring the history of Buddhism from its beginnings to its present state in Japan.

The saint studied Buddhism during the first eight years of his time in Japan, when, in his words, he “strove with all diligence to study Japanese history, religion, and the spirit of the Japanese ...

The indigenous Shintō faith, the introduction of Buddhism, the influence of Christianity, and the rise of new religions after World War II have all shaped the Japanese religious landscape.

“Peasant Revolts as Anti-authoritarian Archetypes for Radical Buddhism in Modern Japan.” Journal of Religion in Japan 5, 1 (2016): 3–21. “Opium Eaters: Buddhism as Revolutionary Politics.” In Buddhism ...

Koya, a foundational site for Japanese Buddhism. Although formed in different eras, and for different beliefs, a 300km pilgrims' path connects all three locations. This verdant and spiritual route ...

Buddhism in Japan mainly follows the Mahayana tradition. Japanese Buddhists celebrate Buddha’s birthday at a spring festival called Hanamatsuri or the Flower Festival. Streets, shops ...

This short film offers an introduction to Shinto, making reference to the centrality of women within Shinto beliefs. Dr Amanda Foreman discusses how Shinto merged with Buddhism in Japan and makes ...

She is now Professor of Japanese Religions in the Religion Department of Princeton University. Her major research field is Japanese Buddhism. Her research interests include death in Buddhism; Buddhist ...