Buddhism in Japan

The book is organized into five principal chapters. Chapter One, “Historical Background,” outlines the introduction of Buddhism into Japan, its reception through Korea and China, and its development across major Japanese historical periods from Asuka and Nara to Heian, Kamakura, Muromachi, Momoyama, Edo, and the modern era. Chapter Two, “Buddhist Sects,” presents the major Buddhist schools in Japan, including Ku-sha, Jō-jitsu, Ritsu, Hossō, Sanron, Kegon, Tendai, Shingon, Jōdo, Zen, Shin, and Nichiren, with attention to their doctrines, founders, scriptures, transmission, and institutional identity. Chapter Three, “Buddhist Architecture,” discusses Buddhist temple forms and architectural developments in Japan. Chapter Four, “Buddhist Sculptural Art,” examines Buddhist icons, statues, and sculptural traditions. Chapter Five, “Buddhist Paintings,” surveys Buddhist painting as a religious and artistic medium, showing how Buddhist imagery contributed to Japanese visual culture.