Religion And Politics In Japan

This book provides deeper insight into the aspirations and beliefs of millions of Japanese public and sheds new light by linking historical developments in Japanese religion, society and politics.The book explains well organized, socially integrated Buddhist denomination – Soka Gakkai, whose membership is about 10 million Japanese, 2 million overseas and assets worth Yen 500 billion.The book provides extensive information about carefully crafted linkages between and interplay of religion and politics in contemporary Japan.By utilizing large scale surveys and nuanced interviews the book brings out not so well known internal dynamics of Japanese society and domestic politics.Skilful combination of social welfare policies with nationalism, commitment to world peace and political involvement its leadership would ensure Soka Gakkai-Komeito viability in future that were hitherto resisted in Japanese society but now accepted as Japan's soft power quiver. The readers find in this book solid facts to check what at best in the past were only their intuitive judgments about the norms, beliefs and value preference of common people in Japan.