A Mutual Act of Acceptance: Buddhism in Pre-modern and Post-Meiji Japan

Abstract

Buddhism, as a religion introduced to Japan, has gone through significant evolution as Japanese society combines it with elements that are particular to Japanese culture. Therefore, it is worth exploring how recent interpretations are different from the form of Buddhism when it was first introduced. What major changes Buddhism has undergone that make it the image nowadays in Japan would be a significant topic that is worth being pursued. The author has referred to research from scholarly articles and journals that has previously explored issues and themes related to the historical development of Buddhism in Japan. After centuries of societal evolution and progressing ideologies, Buddhism has found its way of adaption in Japan, which retains essential elements from its original doctrines while not infringing the principal qualities of traditional Japanese culture.