600-800 CE: Formation of Japan as a Nation, Introduction of Buddhism

World of the Kami

1. Review: Indigenous Japanese Religion - Prehistory
• Mystery of the origins of Japan - Wa (Wei), Yamatai, Nihon Amaterasu - Ninigi ----> Prince Shotoku
• Nihon shoki (First Chronicle of Japan) & Kojiki (Chronicle of Ancient Affairs) - commissioned by Fujiwara dominated court - History and as Myth - Mytho-History
• Formation of Japan as a Nation and State Religion
• Confucianism, Daoism, Buddhism, and Kami (Shinto)
• 6th Century: Soga Clan, 
• 6th-7th Cent: Empress Suiko, Prince Shotoku: 17-article constitution, Principle of Harmony (Wa 和), Only the Buddha
• 7th Cent: Nakatomi Clan - Fujiwara no Kamatari, 
2. Kawai, "Hollow-centered Balance Model of Japanese Mythology"
• Creation myth: Japanese islands created by wife and husband, Izanami and Izanagi
• Triad of Gods: Sun Goddess, Storm God, Moon God
• Amaterasu, Susano-o, Tsukiyomi
• Political and Religious Implications