Japanese Buddhism: from past to present, Its beliefs and practices

As a result of the development of transportation and communication, our world that faced with a phenomenon called globalization, has become a big village every passing day. As a consequence, societies have chosen to recognize each other in order to have better communications with other communities. Our social and economic relations with Japan have increased even further in recent years. One of the greatest effects related to the factors of Japanese culture has taken shape in Buddhism. Initially, Buddhism was seen as a religion dealing with death and after death transaction by Japanese people but it has affected the Japanese people and all the aspects of society. In a process of time, Buddhism has become indispensable as the second religion. Japanese people have recognized Buddhism via travelers, priests and missionaries coming from China and Korea and they Japanized this belief adding some elements that they have acquired. In the integration of Buddhism with Japanese culture, many interpretations of Buddhism have emerged. Different interpretations, sects and movements in Japanese Buddhism, have emerged through some processes. Therefore, while examining the formation of Japanese Buddhism, it is important to assess this process. Hence, basic information about Japan is given in this thesis related to the present religions in Japan, within the status of Buddhism in the historical process and finally, the beliefs of Japanese Buddhism and the practices of Buddhism have been reflected. Keywords: Buddhism, Japanese Buddhism, Shintoism, Japan, Japanese Culture