How did Buddhism reach Japan?

Buddhism’s Arrival in Japan

Buddhism was introduced from India through Central Asia to China around A.D., where it was transformed into Chinese Buddhism, which was introduced to Japan from the Korean Peninsula around the 6th century by the immigrants.

Buddhism is believed to have reached Japan in the mid-6th century CE, during the Asuka period, through the influence of Korean and Chinese traders and diplomats who had been exposed to the religion in their homelands.

In particular, in 538, King Seongmyong of Baekje (Korean Kingdom) sent a statue of Buddha and sutras to then Japanese Emperor Kinmei in return for military aid to Baekje. In Japan, this is regarded as the arrival of Buddhism. Upon seeing the Buddha image he received, Emperor Kinmei was greatly impressed by the gold-plated Buddha image.

At that time, it was difficult to propagate Buddhism because Japan had its own religion, Shinto, but the situation began to change when Emperor Suiko, who was a devotee of Buddhism, ascended the throne as emperor in 592.

Prince Shotoku, who served Emperor Suiko as regent, was one of the key figures who contributed greatly to the spread of Buddhism in Japan. Prince Shotoku built numerous temples throughout Japan, including Shitennoji Temple in Osaka and Horyuji Temple in Nara.

The introduction of Buddhism to Japan is often attributed to Prince Shōtoku, who is said to have been a strong supporter of Buddhism and commissioned the construction of several temples.

Another important figure in the spread of Buddhism in Japan was the monk Gyoki, who traveled throughout the country, promoting Buddhism and building temples and shrines.

Over time, Buddhism in Japan developed into several distinct schools, including Tendai, Shingon, Zen, and Pure Land Buddhism. These schools had differing views on the interpretation and practice of Buddhism, and their teachings continue to influence Japanese culture and society today.

Prince Shotoku and Buddhism

Prince Shōtoku was a Japanese prince who is credited with spreading Buddhism in Japan, but he did not come from Baekje. Rather, he was a member of the imperial family of the Yamato court in Japan.

According to tradition, Prince Shōtoku was introduced to Buddhism through his interactions with Korean and Chinese diplomats, and he became a devout follower of the religion. He is said to have commissioned the construction of several Buddhist temples and sponsored the translation of Buddhist texts into Japanese.

Before Buddhism was officially introduced to Japan, Buddhism was introduced in private.

Shiba Tatsuto is recorded to have worshipped a Buddhist statue in his private home in 522.