This series provides succinct and balanced overviews of the religions of the world. Written in an accessible and informative style, and assuming little or no prior knowledge on the part of the reader, each book gives a basic introduction to the faith--its history, beliefs, and practices--and emphasizes modern developments and the role and impact of the religion in today's world.

Japanese Religious Traditions focuses on major Japanese religious concepts, practices, and sects within the traditions of Shinto, Buddhism, and popular modern movements. It is written in an accessible narrative that provides a valuable insight into the heart of Japanese culture. The coverage of the various key players in religious sects presents challenging philosophical questions to the reader, which in turn highlight the subtle nuances and shifts of expression in our own time and society.

• Chronological development—Covers Japanese religious practices from ancient times through the present day.

  • Presents students with a clear historical framework. Ex.___

• Thought-provoking analysis of founders—Takes an existential and psychological approach to exploring the founders of various medieval Japanese Buddhist sects and concentrates on what kind of questions they themselves asked about Buddhism.

  • Gives students insight into founders most personal thoughts—presenting them with existential challenges that will prompt philosophical discussions and expand their understanding. Ex.___

• “State Shinto”—Describes the rise of modern Japanese nationalism in relation to “State Shinto.”

  • Students will learn about the process of the making of Japan as a modern nation, its sustaining ideology, and how it ended in the disaster of WWII. Ex.___

• Focus on women—Explores the role of women and their positions in Japanese religion, history, and society.

  • Makes students aware of women's presence throughout the history of Japanese religions, and helps to bridge the gap between religions and literature, where Japanese women have been very prominent. Ex.___

Mithiko Yusa is Professor of Japanese and East Asian Studies, Western Washington University, Bellingham, Washington.

Ninian Smart was J. F. Rowny Professor of Comparative Religions at the University of California, Santa Barbara.