Shinto Shrines in Prewar and Wartime Japan

Erscheinungsjahr 2025
ISBN: 978-0-674-30259-4
Verlag: Harvard University Press

Buch, Englisch, Band 479, 450 Seiten, Format (B × H): 163 mm x 216 mm, Gewicht: 771 g

Reihe: Harvard East Asian Monographs

Shinto Shrines in Prewar and Wartime Japan examines the religious and social history of Shinto shrines, focusing on the economic, social, and ideological implications of State Shinto. Helen Hardacre argues that politicians regarded public funding of shrines as crucial for elevating their “dignity” and for curbing progressive thought and activism. Understanding the social and financial dynamics of both major and smaller shrines is key to comprehending State Shinto’s broader impact on Japanese society. This study employs a historical analysis using shrine records, personal diaries, contemporary literature, and government documents. It includes case studies contextualizing events at specific shrines within broader social and political change, personal accounts of priests and laypeople, and statistical analysis of funding patterns. Hardacre’s comprehensive approach provides valuable insights into the role of religious institutions in politics and ideology. By highlighting the nuanced experiences of smaller shrines, their priests, and associated laypeople, Shinto Shrines in Prewar and Wartime Japan enhances understanding of State Shinto’s reach and influence, contributing to broader discussions on the interplay between religion, politics, and society in modern Japanese history.

Autoren/Hrsg.

Hardacre, Helen

Weitere Mitwirkende

Suemoto, Yoko

Fachgebiete

• Sozialwissenschaften Politikwissenschaft Politische Kultur Politik & Religion, Religionsfreiheit
• Geisteswissenschaften Geschichtswissenschaft Weltgeschichte & Geschichte einzelner Länder und Gebietsräume Geschichte einzelner Länder Asiatische Geschichte
• Sozialwissenschaften Soziologie | Soziale Arbeit Soziologie Allgemein
• Geisteswissenschaften Religionswissenschaft Sonstige Religionen Östliche Religionen Shintoismus

Über Autor(innen)

Suemoto, Yoko
Yoko Suemoto is an independent scholar.

Hardacre, Helen
Helen Hardacre is Reischauer Institute Research Professor of Japanese Religions and Society, Harvard University.