The Transmission and Transformation of Thought and Religion

Abstract

Since the 1990s, the rise of neonationalism and anti-Chinese sentiment in Japan has resulted in deliberate attempts to whitewash the influence of Chinese culture and to “de-Sinicize” Japanese culture. Thus, numerous matters that ought not to be problematic have been made so. To thoroughly clarify doubts and correct misunderstandings, this chapter focuses on gaining an accurate understanding of the relationship between China and Japan in ancient times, presenting perspectives on a number of issues such as the introduction of Chinese culture, the adaptations and innovations made by ancient Japan in the process of importing a foreign (Chinese) culture, the development of Japanese culture and its distinguishing characteristics, and the relationship between ancient Chinese culture and traditional Japanese culture, for purposes of initiating dialogue.