Daoism in Japan

This insightful exploration of Daoist traditions reveals their profound influence on Japanese culture, history, and religious practices over centuries, as detailed in Daoism in Japan.

Like an ancient river, Daoist traditions introduced from China once flowed powerfully through the Japanese religious landscape, forever altering its topography and ecology. Daoism in Japan reveals the enduring influence of these traditions on various aspects of Japanese life, including astrology, divination, festivals, literature, politics, and popular culture, as well as their interactions with Buddhism and Shintō. Despite this rich legacy, there has been a notable scarcity of English-language studies focusing on Daoism's impact on Japanese religious culture.

This book provides a thorough examination of the pathways through which Daoist traditions entered Japan from continental East Asia. It begins by addressing foundational issues in both Daoist Studies and the study of Japanese religions, such as the complexities of defining 'Daoism' and 'Japanese.' The volume is structured chronologically and topically, divided into three broad sections: Arrivals (c. 5th-8th centuries CE), Assimilations (794-1868), and Apparitions (1600s-present). Through this organization, Daoism in Japan illustrates how Chinese influences played a crucial role in shaping what are often regarded as authentically Japanese traditions.

By exploring multiple facets of Japanese cultural history and religious traditions, this book serves as an engaging resource for students and scholars interested in Japanese culture, history, and religions, as well as those focused on Daoist Studies. It highlights the intricate connections between these traditions and offers a fresh perspective on their significance in Japan's religious landscape.