Religion in Japan

"Religion in Japan" by George A. Cobbold is an exploration of Japan's religious landscape at the turn of the 20th century, focusing on the dynamic relationships between Shintoism, Buddhism, and the burgeoning presence of Christianity as Japan navigated rapid modernization and cultural shifts. Cobbold chronicles Japan's swift evolution from a secluded nation to a society engaging with Western powers through trade and missionary efforts, spotlighting the transformation of its governance, education, and societal norms. The book emphasizes the intertwined histories of Buddhism, imported from China, and Shintoism, which became a distinct belief system, and seeks to reveal how the nature of these faiths is essential for understanding the soul of the nation and its evolving social structure.