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The Significance Of Oomoto: Why Imperialization Of Japan Led To An Alternative Religion, Chancellor T. Jenniges
The Significance Of Oomoto: Why Imperialization Of Japan Led To An Alternative Religion, Chancellor T. Jenniges
Phi Alpha Theta Pacific Northwest Regional Conference
Abstract: In 1852 Admiral Matthew Perry led an American fleet to Japan and persuaded the Japanese to modernize. Fearful of being colonized by the West, like the Chinese, the Japanese moved to westernize their own economy and society. As a result, they outlawed many historic customs. Japan began to westernize their customs and define religion. Three categories were established, religion, non-religion, and superstition. Any ideology or practice that no longer benefited their goals of westernization was deemed superstitious and removed from the narrative. However, these developments met opposition. One such opponent, Ueda Kisaburō, created an alternative religion called Oomoto in …