Shinto, Buddhism, and Christianity exist together in Japan. None of these faiths is dominant, and it is not uncommon for a single person to believe in Shinto gods while also belonging to a Buddhist sect or Christian church. Polytheistic Shinto is indigenous to Japan and the oldest religion. Amaterasu is a Shinto sun goddess, and until the end of (and perhaps even after) World War II, the Japanese royal family claimed her as their ancestor. Therefore, the Emperor was officially considered divine. Decide for yourself how this belief system affected the United States government's interpretation of Japanese American allegiance.

Buddhism & Shintoism

Duke University's library has compiled a collection of electronic resources and web sites on religion in Japan. It is weighted toward resources on Buddhism.

This Kokugakuin University site for the Institute for Japanese Culture and Classics focuses on Shinto, with links to contemporary papers on Japanese religion, translated into English.

History of Japanese Religions

For an overview of the histories of religions in Japan, check out this fact sheet sponsored by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and operated by a Japanese non-government organization. Following a brief introduction, there are links to Shintoism, Buddhism, Christianity, and Religion in Japan today.

Learn about the humanity declaration called Ningen-sengen issued in 1946 by Emperor Hirohito, who reigned in Japan from 1926 to 1989.

East Meets West

The Nanzan Institute for Religion and Culture has as its mission the promotion of dialogue among religions, philosophies, and cultures of the East and West. While many of the links lead to periodicals and books you might need to order, it's still a good place to be inspired-- if only by the Flash introduction and biographies of the researchers!