Number 1 December 2021

Origins of the Universe in Shintoism: An Ancient Religion of Japan Md. Abu Taher Assistant Professor, Department of World Religions and Culture, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh. Email:mataher@du.ac.bd Abstract Almost all religions have ideas and beliefs about the origin of the universe. Some religious traditions, such as Hinduism (Sanatana Dharma) and Buddhism, see the universe as eternal, without beginning or end. The first books of the Bible contain an account of the creation of the universe, which some Christian faiths hold to be allegorical, and others regard as an expression of literal fact. Other religious traditions have other views, but [...]

Paradoxes in Zen Buddhism and Zen Koan: Its Relevance and Spiritual Significance Ravi Kumar Assistant Professor, Doon University, Dehradun. E-mail: ravikjnu@gmail.com Abstract Zen Buddhism has developed into a unique form of religion in Japan and has influenced its culture, people and society to a large extent. Rinzai Zen emphasises solving a Koan and practising Zazen under the guidance of a master for inner awakening, which helps to know the ultimate truth of life. Koan also helps solve the mysteries of life, which is full of paradoxes and unwanted happenings. This paper aims to analyse some of the Zen koans [...]

New Religious Movements: New Panorama of Japanese Religion Mohammad Jahangir Alam* Abdus Samad** * Associate Professor & Chair, World Religions and Culture, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh. E-mail: mja77@du.ac.bd ** Japanese Language Instructor, Daffodil Japan It, E-mail: samadrony31@gmail.com Abstract New religions have been especially appealing to people in a rapidly changing society. Conservative and traditional moral values are often articulated in such a changing society. In a changing Japanese society, conservative and traditional moral values are often articulated; modes of hopes, understanding and meaning are provided; meaningful teaching and promises of salvation for people are offered. It should be [...]

SHIKOKU: Japan's Authentic Buddhist Pilgrimage Circuit Him Lal Ghimire Professor/Founder at REHDON College (Affiliated with Tribhuvan University), Nepal; Visiting fellow, Japan Foundation at Nanzan Institute for Religion and Culture, Nanzan University, Nagoya and International Research Center for Japanese Studies (Nichibunken), Kyoto; Tourism Expert/Writer/Planner and Editorial Board Member, the GAZE Journal of Tourism and Hospitality. E-mail: himghimire@gmail.com Abstract Cultures and heritages are any country's unique properties, attractions, and identities. Cultures and heritages hold great importance for communities around the world. The history of modern tourism is not as old as pilgrimage tourism- the oldest concept or original art of travelling. [...]

A Study on the Iconographical similarity between the Gods and Goddesses of Hindus and Buddhists of Japan: A Case Study Mayna Talukdar Associate Professor, Department of Sanskrit, University of Dhaka., Bangladesh. Email: drmaynatd@gmail.com Abstract The current paper illustrates the visual resemblances between the god and goddess depicted by the Hindus and Buddhists throughout Japan. Although Buddhism travelled through China and Korea to reach Japan and not directly from India, a prominent and lasting influence can still be seen on Japanese life and culture. The Ṛigvedic divinities, either atmospheric or celestial deities, were later restructured in the Brahmanical literature and [...]

‘Takaukibori’ Technique in Makuzu Kôzan’s Ceramic Art: Transformation of Traditional Japanese Aesthetics of Meiji Era Dilruba Sharmin Assistant Professor, Department of Japanese Studies, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Email:dsharmin.jsc@du.ac.bd Abstract This paper examines the transformation of pottery art during Meiji Japan by discussing a unique technique called ‘Takaukibori’ created by Makuzu Kôzan, an official potter of the Japanese Imperial householdAgency. The ceramic art of the Meiji era was the turning point of Japanese individualism, and this paper will discuss one of the examples of that creation with other classifications. Makuzu Kôzan was a Kyoto native who started his early [...]

A Necessary Challenge: Japanese Response to China’s Economic Rise and America’s Retreat Ziyu He* Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service, Georgetown University, 3700 O St. NW, Washington, DC, USA. E-mail zh133@georgetown.edu Abstract Dependent on China economically and reliant on the US for national security, Japan has frequently been portrayed as a waning economic power squeezed between two major powers with few policy options, save from cautiously striking for a balance in between. From this perspective, growing competition and even confrontation between China and the US exacerbate Japan’s dilemma, increasing the risk of Tokyo’s China policy, be it leaning [...]

SHINTO: The Substratum of Japanese Nationalism Dinamani* Assistant Professor, Centre for Japanese Studies, SLL&CS, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. E-mail: dnmnkmr@gmail.com Abstract Shinto has functioned as the élan vital for all the forms and facets of Japanese nationalism. The pervasive presence of Shinto as the substratum of identity is evident from the historical analysis of Japanese nationalism. Shinto is a rudimentary belief system that connects Japanese people’s history to their primordial myth. The origin of Japan and its divinity, imperial institution, and infallibility are deeply entrenched in Japanese minds. The imperial house has been the venerated institution, and the [...]

Strengthening an Enduring Friendship: Contextualising Japan-Bangladesh Defence Cooperation Tanvir Habib Lecturer, Department of International Relations, University of Dhaka. E-mail:tanvirhabib94@gmail.com Abstract Historical amicability, development partnership and mutual trust have shaped Japan-Bangladesh relations. While previous engagements reflected donor and recipient relationships, transformation into more economic cooperation has been observed in recent years. The trajectory of the economic relationship remains strong, and all indications point to them remaining so. However, cooperation related to defence remains non-existent. Although Japan's previous 'peace-state' orientation might answer the historical context, the reformulation of Japan's defence export policy under Prime Minister Shinzo Abe raises the question of [...]

Japan-Bangladesh Bilateral Relationship: How It Will Look Like in the Upcoming Five Years S. M. Rabby Raj Graduate Student (2017-18 session), Department of Japanese Studies, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh. Abstract A limited amount of research has been carried out on the future direction of Japan-Bangladesh relations. This article attempts to contribute to Japanese Studies and International Relations literature by exploring the potential direction of Japan-Bangladesh relations for the upcoming five years. This qualitative research indicates that the bilateral relationship between the two countries will be stronger and reach a new level in the coming years. Significantly, the Japanese “megaprojects” [...]