Offers a portrait of traditional and contemporary Japanese culture, and a understanding of the history and practice of religions in Japan. Ellwood explores the spiritual heritage of this country, from the Ise Shrine and Nara to the present day. He gives special attention to the traditions of Shinto, the different forms of Buddhism in Japan, including Shingon and Tendai, and Confucianism. He also explores new Japanese religious movements, including Aum Shinrikyo. Each religion is clearly described in terms of its history, practice, sociology and organization, and Ellwood emphasizes how in practice Japanese religion interacts and intermingles. Finally, Ellwood discusses the influence of Japan on popular culture, including discussion of anime, and the transmission of Japanese spiritual, mythical and religious themes to the rest of the world. This edition features new material on folk and popular religion, including shamanism, festivals, and practices surrounding death and funerals. Ellwood also updates the text to discuss recent events, such as religious responses to the Fukushima disaster. --Adapted from publisher description.