Kurozumikyo and the New Religions of Japan

Discover the fascinating world of Japan's "new religions" in Kurozumikyo and the New Religions of Japan by Helen Hardacre. Published by Princeton University Press in 1988, this insightful paperback spans 240 pages and delves into the beliefs and practices of several hundred religious groups that engage approximately one-third of the Japanese population. Despite their significance, these movements remain largely unexamined in Western scholarship.

Hardacre explores the underlying similarities among these diverse faiths, identifying a shared worldview that connects them. Through the lens of Kurozumikyo, a unique Shinto religion, she sheds light on the complexities and nuances of Japan's spiritual landscape. This book is essential for anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of contemporary Japanese religion and its cultural implications.