The Development and Influence of Buddhist Culture in Japan During the Warring States Period

Abstract

Buddhism has been an important part of Japanese culture since its introduction. Japan’s Warring States period (in this case, the period from the Ethio Rebellion of 1467 A.D. to the time when the Tokugawa Shogunate fully established its dominance over Japan after the Osaka-Summer Battle of 1615) was characterized by social upheaval and the separation of regimes. The unique social environment and social needs also impacted the development of Buddhism in Japan. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the course of Buddhist culture in Japan and its multidimensional impact on Japanese culture by examining its manifestations during the Warring States period. The paper compares its state of development before Japan entered the historical phase of the Warring States period by using the methods of literature review and comparative study. As one of the important segments of Japanese culture, Japanese Buddhism can serve as a microcosm of the general trend of the times in this era. Through the evolution of Buddhism and its influence on other elements within Japan, the paper provides a glimpse of the character of Japan’s Warring States period.