National Faith Of Japan

Justification for the writing of this book lies in the twofold fact of the existence of a practically open field and the special importance of a knowledge of Shinto in reaching an adequate understanding of contemporary Japan-politically, socially and religiously. Since the publication in 1905 of W. G. Aston's notable work, Shinto, The Way of the Gods, no study of this subject, aiming at comprehensiveness of design, has appeared in the English language. Special aspects have been dealt with by different writers but no attempt at a historical survey such as would place the salient facts of the total situation in the hands of the serious Western student of Oriental affairs has been made. Aston's book is still standard but it is not easy to procure and deals mainly with the Old Shinto of the classical age. It antedates some of the most important modern developments. The present volume is offered in the humble hope that it may assist in the meeting of a genuine need in the sphere of interest of which it treats. First Published in 1996. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an Informa company.

Zusammenfassung
This classic work, long out of print, was the first detailed study of modern Shinto, the religion of Japan, in both its state and sect forms, and is of particular interest for its account of the evolution of Shinto into a vital political force in the period leading up to World War II. After describing the early and medieval forms of Shinto, Holtom outlines the way in which traditional Shinto - unorganised and neglected at the time of the Meiji Restoration - was subsequently used by the new government as a force for reunifying the country through 'integrating the national mind and glorifying the national destiny'. Following the legal separation of state and sect Shinto in 1882, Holtom shows how state Shinto grew steadily with the growth of modern Japan, becoming in his words 'a factor that could not be safely overlooked in making an inventory of the important items involved in the extension of Japanese political control and cultural influence on the Asiatic Continent and elsewhere'. With Japan in the ascendant and Shinto enjoying a renewed prominence, this book is as important now as when it was written.

Inhalt

Foreword, Part I. State Shinto, Part II. Sect Shinto, Part III. Conclusions