Japanese Buddhism in Europe

Zen, Shin, and Soka Gakkai. Japanese Buddhism has become part of the religious landscape in Europe with the presence of temples and centres, thinkers, and practitioners. Since the opening of the country during the Meiji Restoration (1868), scholars and students went to European universities, followed by migrants and missionaries rebuilding new forms of Buddhism. For many decades, poets, artists, and thinkers have been fascinated by Zen, and its culture and religion have been incorporated into European forms. Other schools of Japanese Buddhism have gained less popularity but nonetheless played a relevant role in the religious exchange between Japan and Europe. This volume explores tendencies and perspectives of Japanese Buddhist denominations in various European countries through topics ranging from politics to poetry, to issues related to ethnic religion, and Christian interpretations of Buddhism.