[caocao74]

CHRONOLOGY OF THE RELIGIOUS HISTORY OF JAPAN
PART ONE - UPTO 1185

Certain dates and events listed may be historically difficult to ascertain or verify, as they are only recorded in the Kojiki (712), Nihon Shoki (720), Gangoji engi (747) or Fuso ryakki (c.1180). Other events (for instance the installation of Emperor Jinmu (660) are historically questionable, but are historically influential.


BC
c.8,000 -Jomon (Mesolithic/Neolithic) Period, named after the cord-patterned (jomon) pottery developed by hunter-gatherer inhabitants.
c.5,000 -Development of settlements and agriculture, and pottery images which may have had religious significance.
c.1,000 -Sites discovered outside settlements which may have been shrines.
-Pottery figurines of heavy-set females (goddesses?).
660 -Jinmu established as the first Tennou (Emperor)(acc. Nihon shoki).
C.400-250 -Yayoi Period. Immigrants from northern Asia introduced a new culture and language, plus bronze and iron work, with dotaku (bronze bells) possibly representing a new religion.
c.300s -Irrigated rice agriculture introduced to Kyushu.

CE
57 -Emperor of Han China awarded official seal on investiture to King of the Nu Kingdom in Wa (Kyushu?).
239 -Wei kingdom of China awarded official seal of investiture to Queen Himiko of Yamatai who had allegedly defeated many rival states, and ruled by gido (the Dao of Ghosts) (acc Weizhi).
c.250-600 -Kofun Period. The emerging local rulers were commemorated with huge burial mounds (kofun), particularly in Miyazaki, Okayama, Gunma, Nara, Asuka, Osaka and Kyoto. These mounds have demonstrated large numbers of haniwa (pottery figurines), bows and arrows, etc.
367 -Korean state of Baekje sent Confucian scholars to Yamato with a request for troops to help in its campaign against Goguryeo (acc. Nihon shoki).
c.400s -Development of the Osaka region, with a seaport developed while local kofun have produced great numbers of swords, arrowheads, armour and saddles plus Chinese bronze mirrors (with Buddhist images).
-During this period, the uji (clans) were established, similar to those found on the Korean peninsula.
421 & 425 -Chieftain San (somewhere in Japan) sent tribute to Liu Song kingdom in China (acc. Songshu)
443 & 451 -Chieftain Sai (somewhere in Japan) sent tribute to Liu Song kingdom in China, and received title anto Shogun (General Who Pacifies the East).
462 -Chieftain Ko (somewhere in Japan) sent tribute to Liu Song kingdom in China, and received title anto Shogun (General Who Pacifies the East) (acc.Songshu).
478 -Chieftain Bu (somewhere in Japan) sent tribute to Liu Song Kingdom in China.
502 -Chieftain Bu (somewhere in Japan) sent tribute to Liu Song Kingdom in China and received the title Shogun (General) (acc. Liangshu).
c.550s -Large scale irrigation projects, separate compounds at settlements to house local elites, domestic iron production increased, increase to number of Korean goods imported.
507 -Yamato Tennou Buretsu overthrown by Keitai, establishing a new Imperial line (acc. Nihon shoki). At about this time the legend of Jinmu develops.
513 -Arrival at Yamato Court of Confucian scholars and scriptures from Baekje (acc. Nihon shoki).
522 -Shiba Tatsuto constructed Buddhist chapel (acc. Fuso ryakki).
538 -Buddhist statues presented to Yamato Court (acc. Gangoji engi).
552 -Statue of Sakyamuni Buddha presented to Yamato Court by King Seong of Baekje (acc. Nihon shoki).
554 -Yamato-Baekje allied forces battled those of Silla (acc. Nihon shoki).
577 -Buddhist monks, nuns and artisans sent to Yamato by King Wideok of Baekje (acc. Nihon Shoki).
579 -Buddhist images sent to Yamato by King Silla.
584 -Two Buddha images obtained from Baekje by Soga Umako. A worship hall was built for them, at which the daughter of Shiba Tatsuto served (as the nun Zenshin) (acc. Nihon Shoki).
585 -After an outbreak of pestilence, Mononobe Moriya blamed the imported images so burnt down the worship hall built the previous year, flogged the nuns and threw the Buddha image into the river (acc. Nihon shoki).
587 -Soga uji defeated the Mononobe uji, and Buddhism was formally accepted by the Yamato Court (acc. Nihon shoki).
588 -Soga Umako established Asukadera (later known as the Houkouji and then the Gangoji), constructed by artisans from Baekje, while Zenshin and other nuns were sent to Baekje for ordination (acc. Nihon shoki). Henceforth elites began to construct Buddhist halls rather than kofun.
592 -Tennou Sushun murdered by Soga Umako, and placed Suiko (wife of Bidatsu) on the throne (acc. Nihon shoki).
594 -Shotoku taishi (?574-622) acted as regent for Empress Suiko (acc. Nihon shoki).
600 -Japanese ‘King’ sent embassy to Chang’an, capital of Sui Emperor Wendi (acc. Suishu).
604 -Shotoku taishi issued 17-Article Constitution (kenpo), and established Japan’s first calendar.
607 & 608 -Second and third embassies sent to Chang’an, capital of Sui Emperor Yangdi (acc. Suishu and Nihon shoki respectively).
623 -Embassy sent to Tang Emperor Gaozu (acc. Nihon shoki).
624 -Ecclesiastical magistrates of Sangha Perfect (sojo), Sangha Provost (sozu) and Dharma Chief (hoto) appointed for the first time to administer the 46 temples, which housed 1,385 monks and nuns (acc. Nihon shoki).
632 -Buddhist monks returned from China.
639 -The Court’s first major Buddhist temple, the Kudara Odera constructed (later the Daikan daiji then later the Daianji (acc. Nihon shoki).
643 -Yamashiro no Oe (son of Shotoku taishi) and his family murdered by Soga Iruka (acc. Nihon shoki).
644 -Daoist movement suppressed by the Court (acc. Nihon shoki).
645 -The Taika Coup d’etat, in which Prince Naka no Oe murdered the dominant figure at Court, Soga Iruka. In the wake of the coup, Naka no Oe attempted to model Yamato on Tang, by confiscating the country’s arable land, abolishing the uji control over families, abolishing slavery and imposing taxation (acc. Nihon shoki).
c.650s -First indication of writing from the Yamato Court.
653 -Dosho (629-70) traveled to Chang’an with a number of scholars and monks (acc. Nihon shoki). He went on to study with Xuanzang.
654 -Four traders from Tokhara (present-day Afghanistan) and a woman from Sravasti (northeast India) shipwrecked off Kyushu (acc. Nihon shoki).
660 -First recitation of the Ninno-e (chanting ceremony to invoke protective spirits of the Four Heavenly Kings) at Court (acc. Nihon shoki).
c.660s -Kawadera constructed by either Tennou Tenji or Saimei.
661 -Embassy sent to Chang’an, capital of Tang Emperor Gaozong (acc. Xin Tangshu).
-Dosho returned from China.
662 -Dosho established Zen’inji, a meditation centre within Asukadera (acc. Genko shakusho, 1322).
663 -Embassy sent to Tang China (acc. Xin Tangshu).
-Japanese forces defeated by the forces of Silla and Tang China (acc. Nihon shoki).
669 -Nakatomi no Kamatari constructed Yamasinadera (later the Koufukuji (acc. Kofukuji engi, 900).
670 -Tennou Tenji sent embassy to Tang China, proclaiming that his state should be called ‘Nippon’ rather than ‘Wa’ (acc. Xin Tangshu). In the following thirty-one years there were no further diplomatic relations.
672 -Jishin no Ran (Jishin Rebellion) which culminated in the succession of Tenmu, who implemented the Taika Reforms.
-Tenmu appointed guji (celebrants) to the Ise Shrines for the first time (acc. Nihon shoki).
673 -Tenmu ordered scriptures copied at the Kawaradera, while construction began at Takechi (later the Daikan daiji)(acc. Nihon shoki).
675 -Tenmu confiscated lands belonging to the aristocratic families and temples.
-First prohibition on hunting and eating meat (acc. Nihon shoki).
676 -First edict to release animals (houjou), and lectures ordered on the Golden Illumination (konkoumyou kyou) and of Humane Kings (Ninnou kyou) (acc. Nihon shoki).
679 -Tenmu placed regulations upon the temples’ incomes (acc. Nihon shoki).
680 -Tenmu pledged to erect the Yakushiji (The Healing Buddha’s Temple)(the first Buddhist temple in Japan to be named after a Buddhist term rather than its location) to pray for his consort’s recovery from a serious illness.
681 -Tenmu ordered compilation of a royal history (the origins of the Kojiki and Nihon shoki). With this event, the recorded dates in the Nihon shoki became rather more reliable.
682 -Gyogi (668-749) became Dosho’s disciple.
-Possible date for the first draft of the Kojiki.
685 -First building of the Grand Shrine of Ise (acc. Nihon shoki).
-Elite families ordered for the first time to construct Buddhist icons and worship halls.
687 -First performance of Buddhist rites for Tenmu. Afterwards they became the norm for the Tennou.
c.690s -Term ‘Tennou’ used for first time to refer to the ruler.
690 -At a Court ceremony, the Tennou received gifts from 3,363 monks representing seven major monasteries (acc. Nihon shoki).
692 -Genkareki (the Yuanji lunar-solar calendar invented by He Chengtian used in China from 445 to 509 (one year=365.2467 days, one lunar month=29.53059 days) adopted, but only for five years.
-Census recorded 545 Buddhist sites in Japan (acc. Nihon shoki).
694 -The capital Fujiwarakyo laid out. It included four major temples (Yakushiji, Daikan daiji, Houkouji and Kawaradera) as Buddhism was wholly adopted as the state-religion.
697 -Gihoreki (the Yifeng lunar-solar calendar invented by Li Chunfeng, used in China from 665 to 727 (365.2448 days, and 29.35060 days per lunar month) adopted as official calendar.
699 -En no Ozunu (Gyouja) of Katsuragisan banished to Izu for practicing black magic (perhaps Daoism). He later founded Shugendou.
700 -Cremation of Dosho’s corpse, Japan’s first Buddhist cremation (acc Soku Nihon shoki).
701 -Taiho Law Code established.
-First embassy sent to Tang China since 670, including the monk Douji (d.744).
710 -Start of the Heijokyou (Nara) Period, when it was established as the new capital.
712 -The Kojiki completed.
713 -Gyougi began his missionary work throughout Japan.
714 -For the first time the Yuima-e (Vimalakirti ceremony) performed at the Koufukuji in Nara.
717 -Gyouji’s missionary work suppressed by the government.
-Genbo (d.746) travelled to China.
720 -The Nihon shoki completed.
729 -New edicts issued by the governments prohibiting Buddhist monks from training in the mountains.
733 -Two monks sent to China to find a Vinaya master.
735 -Genbo returned from China with the 5,000+ fascicles of the Chinese Buddhist Canon.
736 -Daoxuan (Dousan, 702-760) arrived in Japan where he taught Vinaya and Chan (Zen), while the Indian Bodhisena and another monk arrived from Champa (Vietnam).
737 -The Court threatened by a major smallpox epidemic. To care for the sick Empress, Genbo was appointed as the Zenji (Official Meditation Master).
740 -Genbo’s policies the target for the rebellion of Fujiwara Hirotsugu in Kyushu.
741 -The Court established the Kokubunji (provincial system temple), headed by the Toudaiji.
-Specializations in Buddhism put into 6 categories; Ritsu, Kusha, Joujitsu, Sanron, Hossou and Kegon.
743 -Gyouji deployed to raise funds for the Toudaiji.
747 -The Gangoji engi (a history of early Japanese Buddhism) complied.
749 -Gold discovered in Japan.
-Hachiman (Yahata) enshrined at Tamukeyama in Nara.
c.751 -The Kaifuusou (collection of Chinese poems written by Japanese aristocrats) compiled.
752 -Toudaiji dedicated.
754 -Ganjin (Jianzhen, 687-763) established Ritsu (Vinaya) in Japan.
-First proper ordinations held at the Toudaiji, under government control.
758 -Court ordered that all zenji (mountain priests) with ten years of ‘pure practice’ to be recognized as ordained.
759 -Toushoudaiji established for Ganjin as the headquarters for Ritsu (Vinaya) studies.
c.760 -Man’youshu (collection of 10,000 leaves of Japanese poetry) compiled.
764 -Kouken (retired female sovereign, r.749-758) reassumed control under the title Shoutoku (r.764-770), and attempted unsuccessfully to establish a Buddhist theocracy.
-Over 1,000,000 copies of the hyakumantou darani (the Buddhist dharani) printed and distributed in Japan.
-Doukyou (d.772) appointed as Daijin Zenji (‘Prime Minister Zen Master’).
-Taienreki (the Dayan lunar-solar calendar formulated by the monk Yixing, 673-727, and used in China from 728 to 761 (365.2444 days, and 29.5309 days per lunar month) introduced as the Court calendar.
765 -Doukyou appointed as Daijo Daijin Zenji (‘Chancellor Zen Master’), indicating his supreme authority at Court.
766 -Doukyou assumed the title Dharma King (houou), indicating his control over the whole Japanese network of Buddhist clergy.
769 -Doukyou claimed that the Hachiman oracle had said he would become Tennou (contrary to what the oracle said after the event).
770 -Doukyou banished.
-Kounin (descended from Tennou Tenji) established new Imperial line.
-Prohibition on monks training in the mountains lifted by the government.
772 -Juu Zenji (‘Ten Meditation Masters’) established by the Court to pray for the health of the Tennou.
774-811 -Continued operations in Northern Honshu against those Emishi tribes that would not submit to Yamato government control.
779 -Court attempted to defrock the self-ordained monks and nuns.
c.780s -First reference to the Tennou as Akitsumikami (Manifest God), an indication of the reinforcement of the belief in divine-monarchy.
781 -Hachiman awarded the status of bosatsu (bodhisattva).
785 -Saichou (767-822) ordained in Heijokyou before retiring to Hieizan (site of the future Tendai stronghold of Enryakuji).
791 -Kuukai (774-835) dropped out of the state college after studying the gumonjihou.
794 -Start of the Heianjidai when Heiankyou (later Kyouto) established as the new capital.
797 -Saichou appointed as Zenji (Court meditation master).
799 -Court appointed inspectors to the Kokubunji (provincial temples) to remove corrupt monks.
c.800s -Aristocratic families began constructing ujigami (family shrines).
800 -Rituals at Ise Shrines codified, with the Shrines recognized as the Soubyou (royal mausoleums), with worship there restricted to that of the Tennou.
804.07 -Saichou and Kuukai travelled to China, to study at (respectively) Mount Tiantai and Chang’an.
805.07 -Saichou returned to Japan, claiming the lineages of En Mitsu Zen Kai (i.e., Tiantai, esoteric, Chan and bodhisattva precepts).
806.10 -Kuukai returned to Japan.
815 -Saichou became preaching in Eastern Japan.
c.817 -The Housso monk Tokuichi and Saicho began polemical debate.
822 -Saichou died.
-Court allowed Tendai Mahayana Ordination Platform to be constructed on Hieizan.
c.823 -Kyoukai wrote the Nihon ryouiki, recording a variety of early Buddhist folktales.
-Hieizan awarded with the name Enryakuji as Tendai was established as an independent denomination.
830 -Kuukai wrote the juujuushinron which systematized Shingon Buddhism.
834 -Kuukai established the esoteric training hall, the Shingon’in, inside the Imperial palace to perform the go-shichinichi mishiho (Latter Seven Days Rites Festival).
838 -Ennin (794-864) accompanied 12th (and last) embassy to Tang China. His writings included descriptions of the Huichang persecution of Buddhism.
847 -Ennin returned to Japan to establish the superiority of Mikkyou (Tendai esoteric rites) over Shingon Buddhism by his introduction of the worship of the Amida (Amitabha) Buddha.
850 -Ennin established Enryakuji as the Tennou goji (protector of the sovereign).
853 -Enchin (814-891) travelled to China.
855 -The head of the massive Buddha at Toudaiji fell during an earthquake.
858 -Enchin returned to China and founded the rival Tendai centre of Onjouji (a.k.a. Miidera).
-Gokireki (the Wuji lunar-solar calendar invented by Guo Xianzhi, used in China 762-821; 365.2448 days and 29.53060 days per lunar month) adopted by the Court.
860 -Hachiman enshrined at the temple of Iwashimizu near Heiankyou.
862 -Senmyoureki (the Xuanming lunar-solar calendar invented by Xu Ang, used in China 822-895; 365.2446 days and 29.5309 days per lunar month) adopted by the Court (it remained in place until 1684).
862-867 -Shuuei (808-884) travelled to China, the last well-known monk to do so.
878 -Emishi revolted in Northern Honshu.
c.901 -Annen advocated the changing of the name Tendai to Shingon, since he proposed the unification of the Shingon, Tendai and Zen traditions.
927 -The Engishiki (Engi Era Regulations) issued to regulate Court rituals.
938 -Kouya (or Kuuya, 903-972) began teaching Pure Land dancing.
939 -Further Emishi rebellions in Northern Honshu.
939-940 -Taira no Masakado (d.940) seized the control of eight eastern provinces.
947 -Tenjin Shrine constructed in Kitano to appease spirit of Sugawara Michizane.
949 -Toudaiji dispatched Sohei (monastic militia) to demonstrate in Heiankyou.
967 -FujiwaraSaneyori (900-970) appointed Kanpaku (regent for an adult Emperor), marking the start of the Fujiwara’s supreme position at Court, which lasted until 1068.
968 -Conflict in Nara between Toudaiji and Koufukuji.
983 -Chounen (d.1016) travelled to Song China.
984 -Minamoto n Tamenori wrote the Sanbou-e kotoba which recorded annual Buddhist traditions.
985 -Genshin (942-1017) wrote Oujou youshuu, which popularized Pure Land meditation within the Tendai denomination.
986 -Ise Shrines sent Jinin (militia) to demonstrate in Heiankyou.
-Nenbutsu zanmai-e fraternity to celebrate Amida Pure Land delivery, established upon Hieizan by Yoshishige Yasutane (Jakushin, d.1002).
987 -Chounen returned from China with whole Song edition of the Chinese Buddhist Canon and a statue of Buddha which contained inner organs.
993 -Open conflict in Outsu between the Tendai institutions of Enryakuji and Onjouji.
994 -Primary pagoda on Koyasan destroyed in a fire, and not repaired until 1103.
1003 -Genshin corresponded with Zhili (960-1028) regarding Tiantai doctrine, completing the correspondence previously held in 805, 840 and 845.
c.1005 -Introduction of Song items by Chinese merchants.
c.1008 -Murasaki Shikibu wrote the famed Genji Monogatari (Tale of Genji).
1010s -Further armed clashes between the Toudaiji and Koufukuji.
1013 -Armed clashes between the Koufukuji and Enryakuji.
1028 -Taira no Tadatsune (d.1031) seized control of the three eastern provinces, but his rebellion broken.
c.1044 -Chingen wrote Hokke genki, in which were recorded the ‘Lotus Sutra Miracles’.
1049 -Shari (Buddhist relics) distributed as offerings to provincial shrines.
1051 -The Former Nine Years War in eastern Japan, as Minamoto Yoriyoshi put down the Abe family.
1052 -Year regarded by some Japanese as the start of the period of Mappou (Dharma Decline).
1072 -Joujin (1011-1081) travelled to Song China and visited Mount Tiantai and Mount Wutai.
1073 -Trade agreement formed between Japanese merchants and the Goryeo Dynasty in Korea.
1074 -Chinese copper coins became the major currency in Japan after Song Court permitted their use.
1075 -Enryakuji attacked the Onjouji in an effort to prevent the latter being permitted to have an ordination platform.
1081 -Sohei from Enryakuji burned down the Onjouji, while Sohei from Koufukuji attacked the monastery of Tounomine.
1083-1087 -Later Three Years as Minamoto no Yoshiie attacked the Abe family in Northern Honshu.
1086 -Shirakawa Tennou (10531229, r.1072-1086) retired and took Buddhist orders, but established the practice of Insei (cloistered rule), a practice that continued until 1180 (while retiring Emperors taking Buddhist orders continued until 1840).
1090 -Shirakawa completed pilgrimage to Kumano.
1094 -Fujiwara no Kiyohara (d.1128) established Hiraizumi, to create a Fujiwara ‘capital’ in Northern Japan.
1095 -Sohei from Enryakuji blackmailed the government by leaving an Omikoshi (portable shrine) in the capital.
1098 -Much of Heiankyou destroyed by fire.
1102 -Sohei from Toudaiji blackmailed government by bringing Shrine of bosatsu Hachiman into the capital.
c.1107 -The Konjaku monogatari complied, which recorded popular Buddhist literature.
1116 -Jippan (d.1144), a monk from Nara, restored the Toushoudaiji.
c.1117 -Ryounin (1073-1232), after a vision of the Amida Buddha initiated the practice of yuuzuu nenbutsu (interpretation of all things through recalling the Amida Buddha).
1134 -Nationwide famine across Japan.
c.1141 -Kakuban (1095-1143) wrote the Gorin kujimyou himitsu shaku, which proposed the unification of Shingon and nenbutsu (recalling Amida Buddha).
c.1150 -Hounen (Genku, 1133-1212) left Hieizan to join the ascetic hijiri.
1151 -Famine in the capital.
1156 -Hogen no Ran (Hogen Disturbance), as warriors joined the clashes surrounding the Imperial succession and the leadership of the Fujiwara.
1159 -Heiji no Ran (Heiji Disturbance), as Taira no Kiyomori put down the rebellion of Minamoto no Yoshitomo.
1163 -Famine in the capital.
1167 -Chougen (1121-1206) visited China and studied Tiantai. He returned with the monk-scholar Eisai.
1168 -Eisai travelled to China for 5 months to study Tiantai.
1172 -Hounen read the writings of Shandao (Zendo, 613-681) and began teaching the Pure Land Faith.
1177 -Much of Heiankyou destroyed by fire and earthquakes.
1180 -Genpei War erupted with Prince Mochihito’s call for the Minamoto to rise to topple the domineering Taira no Kiyomori. For offering their assistance Mochihito Taira no Shigehira (1156-1185) torched much of Nara and its temples. In the East, Minamoto no Yoritomo rallied the Minamoto cause.
1181 -Famine in Heiankyou.
-Chougen led fundraising campaign to rebuild the Toudaiji, with artisans invited from China to rebuild the great Buddha.
1185 -The Battle of Dan no Ura ended the Genpei War as the Minamoto destroyed the Taira fleet. Most of the Taira leadership drowned themselves, including the infant ‘Emperor’ Antoku.
-Dawning of the Kamakura Era.

[caocao74]

CHRONOLOGY OF THE RELIGIOUS HISTORY OF JAPAN
PART TWO - 1185 - 1599

1186 -Chougen led group of monks to the Grand Shrines of Ise to pray for the Toudaiji’s restoration project, while the fundraising campaign was taken into Northern Japan by the monk-poet Saigyo (1118-1190).
1187 -Eisai returned to China to study Rinzai Zen at Mount Tiantai.
1189 -Nounin began teaching Darumashuu Zen at the Sanbouji in Settsu.
-Northern Fujiwara defeated by Minamoto no Yoritomo, while his forces hunted down and forced the seppuku of his younger brother Yoshitsune.
1191 -Eisai returned to Japan and taught Zen in Kyushu.
1192 -Imperial Court finally bestowed the title ‘Shogun’ upon Minamoto no Yoritomo.
1194 -Zen of Eisai and Nounin prohibited from being preached at Court.
1195 Main Buddha Hall of the Toudaiji restored and dedicated.
1198 -Hounen wrote Senchakushuu.
-Eisai wrote Kouzen gokokuron to protect Zen.
1199 -Shunjou (1166-1227) travelled to China and studied Tiantai, Vinaya, Zen and Pure Land Buddhism.
-Minamoto no Yoritomo died after sustaining injuries after a fall from a horse.
1200 -Eisai invited to Kamakura as Bakufu encouraged Zen Buddhism.
1201 -Shinran (1173-1263) became the disciple of Hounen.
1202 -Eisai permitted to build the Kenninji in Kyouto, with Bakufu sponsorship.
1203 -Kouben (Myoue, 1173-1232) gave up on plan to visit India after the oracle at the Kasuga shrine told him that Nara was the Pure Land of the Buddha Sakyamuni.
-Kouben taught the koumyou Shingon (Mantra of Radiant Wisdom).
1205 -Joukei (1155-1213) denounced Hounen in the Koufukuji Petition.
1206 -Eisai appointed as head of fundraising for the Toudaiji.
1207 -Exclusive Pure Land Buddhism prohibited by the Court.
-Hounen and Shinran exiled (to outside of Kyouto).
1211 -Prohibition on Pure Land Buddhism lifted.
-Joukei vowed to restore Vinaya.
-Shunjou returned from China and built the Sennyuuji as the centre for the study of Tendai, Vinaya, Zen and Pure Land.
1212 -Hojouki written by Kamo no Chokei (c.1155-1216) which lamented on the issue of mappou.
-Kouben (Myoue) denounced Hounen in the Saijarin.
c.1219 -Kitano tenjin engi (History of Kitano Shrine) composed, while other shrines and temples followed suit in compiling legendary histories (jisha engi).
1221 -Joukyu no Ran (Joukyu Disturbance), which resulted in three retired Tennou being exiled, while the Bakufu confiscated Imperial Lands.
c.1224 -Shinran wrote Kyougoushinshou, his explanation of Pure Land Buddhism.
1227 -Sohei from Enryakuji destroyed Hounen’s grave.
1231 -Major nationwide famines.
1233 -Dougen (1200-1253) founded the Zen temple of Koushoji, which is regarded as the establishment of Soutou Zen.
1234 -Eison (1201-1290) founded the Saidaiji and vowed to restore Vinaya.
1244 -Eison and his disciple Ninshou (1217-1303) began preaching to the hinin (outcasts who lived on the edges of society).
1249 -Kenchouji built in Kamakura by the Houjou Shikken (Regent), the first Song Dynasty-style Zen temple in Japan.
1253 -Nichiren (1222-1282) began teaching the Lotus Sutra.
1259 -Widespread famine.
1260 -Nichiren wrote the Risshou ankokuron which attacked the policies of the Bakufu and the preaching of Hounen. It resulted in his exile to Izu.
1264 -The Daibutsu (Great Buddha) built in Kamakura.
1268 -Mongol envoys visited Japan to demand tribute.
1271 -Severe drought across Japan, so the Court asked Ninshou to pray for rain.
-Nichiren exiled once again after his further criticism of other branches of Buddhism.
1273 -Court asked Eison to pray at the Grand Shrines of Ise to repel the Mongol threat.
1274 -First Mongol attempt to invade Japan.
-Nichiren released from exile.
-Ninshou organized campaign to feed starving masses.
-Ippen (Chishin, 1239-1289) began extensive travels to promote nenbutsu (recalling Amida) and founded the Jishuu school.
1276 -Gyounen (1240-1321) began his period of teaching and writing at the Toudaiji.
1281 -Second Mongol attempt to invade Japan.
1283 -Mujuu Dougyou (1226-1312) wrote the Shasekishuu (which recorded popular religious beliefs).
1287 -Ninshou founded public school to care for the sick.
1291 -Nanzenji built in Kyoto as the first Chinese-style Zen temple.
1293 -Twenty thousand+ killed during earthquake in Kyouto.
c.1296 -Outer Shrine at Ise assumed the title ‘Imperial’.
1299 -Gozan (Five Mountain) system of leading Zen temples established.
1301 -Bakufu created policy of alternating the northern and southern branches of the Imperial family.
c.1321 -Keizan Joukin (1264-1365) founded the Soujiji on the Noto Peninsula, laying the foundations for Zen Buddhism in rural areas.
1322 -Kokan Shiren (1278-1346) wrote the Genkou shakusho, a comprehensive history of Japanese religion.
c.1331 -Kakunyo (1270-1351) established the Honganji at Shinran’s grave in Otani.
1332 -Go-Daigo Tennou (1270-1339) exiled to Oki Island after refusing to accept the Bakufu’s policy of alternating the Imperial branches.
1333 -Go-Daigo escaped from Oki and overthrew Bakufu forces in Kyouto and Kamakura.
1334 -The Kenmu Restoration, by which Go-Daigo assumed direct authority.
-Nichizou (1269-1342) permitted to teach Nichiren’s Lotus Buddhism in Kyouto.
1336 -Ashikaga Takauji (1305-1358) deposed Go-Daigo and established Komyo as Tennou and the Ashikaga Bakufu, while Go-Daigo established a rival Court at Zaoudou temple in Yoshino, marking the start of the Nanbokucho (Southern and Northern Courts) Period.
1338 -Ashikaga Takauji awarded the title Shogun.
1342 -Gozan (五山) temples in Kyoto awarded higher status by the Bakufu than the Gozan in Kamakura.
1343 -Kitabatake Chikafusa (1293-1354) completed the Jinnou shoutou ki (Chronicle of Legitimate Gods and Sovereigns), and argued for the legitimacy of the Southern Court led by Go-Daigo.
c.1348 -Koushuu (1276-1350) compiled the Keiran juuyoushuu, which recorded Tendai initiations.
c.1350s -Takuga (1285-1354) wrote the Kibokuron, which systematized Jishuu Pure Land doctrines.
1369 -Trade relations established with Ming China.
1379 -Souroku (Sangha Register) established by the Bakufu to regulate the Gozan Zen temples.
1386 -Nanzenji in Kyouto numbered the primary Gozan temple by the Bakufu.
1392 -Southern Court finally defeated by the Bakufu, and the two Imperial branches reunified.
1397 -Trade relations established with Joseon Korea.
c.1400 -Yuukai (1345-1416) wrote the Houkyoushou, which denounced the ‘unorthodox’ sexual rituals of Shingon, which he falsely called Tachikawaryuu.
1404 -Official tally trade began with Ming China.
c.1418 -Official tally trade began with Joseon Korea.
1423 -Trade established with the Ryuukyuu Kingdom (Okinawa).
1431 -Major famine.
1434 -Outer (Watarai) Shrine at Ise rebuilt for the last time (until 1563).
1440s -Series of serious epidemics.
1450s -Series of famines.
1461 -Major famine
1463 -Inner (Imperial) Shrine of Ise rebuilt for the last time (until 1563).
1465 -Sohei from Enryakuji destroyed the original Honganji at Shinran’s grave at Otani, after Rennyo (1415-1499) had burnt Tendai relics and fittings.
1466 -Daijou Sai (spiritual-king food offering) held by the Imperial Court for the last time, although recreated in a modified form in 1738, 1847, 1915, 1928 and 1990 (the last three using a liturgy revised in 1871).
1467-1477 -Onin War between forces initially allied with Yamana Sozen and Hosokawa Katsumoto. The fighting devastated huge swathes of Kyoto, and created a situation in the provinces that led directly to the turbulence of the Sengokujidai.
1474 -Ikko Ikki (Pure Land peasant league) formed in Kaga Province.
1478 -Rennyo founded the new Honganji at Yamashina.
1479 -Ikko Ikko formed in Etchuu Province.
1480s -Doukou (1465-1501) began to affiliate groups of sendatsu (mountain guides) with Kumano, to form the Honzanha school of Shugengou.
1484 -Yoshida Kanetomo (1435-1511) erected the Daigenguu temple at Yoshida Shrine, marking the founding of Yuiitsu Shintou (a.k.a. Yoshida Shintou).
1486 -Outer (Watarai) Shrine Ise destroyed by fire, but not rebuilt until 1563.
1488 -Ikko Ikki assumed control of Kaga Province after toppling the Togashi daimyo.
1489 -Inner (Imperial) Shrine of Ise destroyed by fire (not rebuilt until 1585).
1490s -Widespread famines and epidemics.
1491 -Major fires in an already war-torn Kyouto.
1495 -Tsunami destroyed the wooden buildings surrounding the Daibutsu (Great Buddha) in Kamakura.
1500 -Gion Matsuri staged in the streets of Kyouto for the first time since the devastating Onin War.
1505 -Bon odori prohibited by the Bakufu in Kyouto.
1506 -Ikko Ikki extended control in Kaga, plus the provinces of Noto and Etchuu.
1531 -Further Ikko Ikki campaigning in Kaga.
1532 -Honganji in Yamashina destroyed as Hokkeshu (Nichiren’s Lotus Sect) assumed government of Kyouto. The Honganji was moved to Ishiyama (in present-day Oosaka)
1536 -Sohei from Enryakuji destroyed Hokkeshu government and its temples in the capital.
1540 -Nationwide famine.
1542 -Yoshida Kanemigi (1516-1573) visited Kyushu to extend the growth of his form of Shintou.
1543 -First European firearms reach the southern island of Tanegashima after a Portuguese merchant vessel was wrecked off the coast.
1546 -Kanazawa Gobou established local Ikko Ikki to govern Kaga.
1549 -Francisco Xavier (1506-1552) arrived in Kyushu at the head of a group of Portuguese Jesuit missionaries.
1560 -Jesuits allowed to preach in the capital.
-Oda Nobunaga’s (1534-1582) celebrated victory over Imagawa Yoshimoto at Okehazama.
1563 -Outer (Watarai) Shrine of Ise rebuilt after fundraising effort led by the nun Seijun (d.1566).
1567 -The Buddha Hall of Toudaiji burnt down.
1568 -Omura Sumitada (1533-1587) became the first daimyo converted to Christianity.
-Fundraising effort launched by the Toudaiji.
1568 -Oda Nobunaga entered Kyouto at the head of his army, under the auspices of installing Ashikaga Yoshiaki (1537-1597) as Shogun.
1569 -Oda Nobunaga granted protection to the Jesuits in Kyouto.
1570 -Oda Nobunaga launched his first attacks upon the Ishiyama Honganji.
1571 -Oda Nobunaga destroyed the Tendai centre of Enryakuji and killed all found upon Hieizan.
1573 -Shogun Ashikaga Yoshiaki expelled from Kyouto by Oda Nobunaga.
1574 -Ikko Ikki seized Echizen, while other Ikko Ikki leagues destroyed by Oda Nobunaga in Ise.
1575 -Ikko Ikki destroyed by Oda Nobunaga in Echizen.
1578 -Oda Nobunaga sponsored the construction of the Nanbanji Christian church in Kyouto.
1580 -Ikko Ikki opposition destroyed in Kaga, and forced into surrender at the Ishiyama Honganji.
1581 -More than a thousand monks killed at Koyasan by Oda forces.
1582 -Oda Nobunaga killed/forced into seppuku by his treacherous subordinate, Akechi Mitsuhide.
1582-1590 -Japanese Christians went on lengthy travels via southern Asia to visit the Pope in Rome.
1583 -Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1536-1598) defeated the rebellious Shibata Katsuie.
1584 -Indecisive Komaki Campaign fought between Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Tokugawa Ieyasu (1542-1616).
1585 -Toyotomi Hideyoshi appointed Kanpaku (Regent) by the Court.
-Inner and Outer Shrines of Ise rebuilt thanks to funds donated by Hideyoshi.
1587 -Toyotomi Hideyoshi angrily confronted the Jesuit Gaspar Coelho (1535-1590) and demanded that all Jesuit missionaries leave Japan.
1588 -Ashikaga Bakufu officially dissolved.
-Toyotomi Hideyoshi ordered the expulsion of Christians from Nagasaki.
-Toyotomi Hideyoshi commenced the Katanagari (Sword Hunt) to delineate between those who were warriors, and those who were agriculturalists.
1589 -Toyotomi Hideyoshi ordered the erection of the Daibutsu (Great Buddha) at Houkouji in Kyouto, while work began on the rebuilding of the Enryakuji.
1590 -Hasshinden (Hall of Eight Deities) at Yoshida Shrine used in Imperial ceremonies, indicating the full recognition the sect then possessed.
1592 -Attempts to open trade relations with Spain.
-The opening of the first invasion of Joseon Korea.
1593 -Negotiations with Ming China over the possible future of Joseon Korea.
-Spanish Franciscan missionaries arrived in Japan, thereby breaking the monopoly of the Portuguese Jesuits.
1595 -Nichiou (1565-1630) refused to join the Buddhist services at the Houkouji, marking the birth of the Fuju-Fuse branch of Nichiren’s Hokkeshu.
1596 -Daibutsu at the Houkouji toppled in an earthquake.
-‘Sabn Felipe Incident’, which saw Franciscans being crucified.
1597 -Toyotomi Hideyoshi ordered the second invasion of Joseon Korea.
1598 -Toyotomi Hideyoshi died, allowing Japanese forces to withdraw from Korea.
1599 -Toyotomi Hideyoshi deified as Toyokuni dai myoujin.

[caocao74]

CHRONOLOGY OF THE RELIGIOUS HISTORY OF JAPAN
PART THREE - 1600 TO THE PRESENT DAY

1600 -The Battle of Sekigahara, which saw the Eastern Army of Tokugawa Ieyasu smash the forces under Ishida Mitsunari who claimed to have been serving the Toyotomi family.
-First Dutch vessels reach Japan, whose crews included the Englishman William Adams (1564-1620).
1601 -Jesuits established an academy in Nagasaki.
1602 -Tokugawa Ieyasu sponsored the establishment of the Higashi and Nishi-Honganji in Kyouto.
-The Houkouji destroyed by fire.
-Myounin (1576-1610) founded the new Shingon Ritsu School.
1603 -Edo Period/Tokugawa Bakufu established when Tokugawa Ieyasu was appointed Shogun, and transferred the actual capital to Edo (present-day Tokyo), leaving the Emperor in Kyouto.
1605 -Sweet potatoes introduced to Japan.
-Tokugawa family built Joudo Shinshuu Zoujouji in Edo.
1607 -Hayashi Razan (1583-1657) appointed as the Bakufu’s first Neo-Confucian advisor.
1608-1618 -Hatto (regulations) issued by the Bakufu to control the Buddhist temples, the first being for the Tendai temples of Enryakuji and Joubodaiin.
1609 -Dutch traders allowed to establish factory at Hirado (near Nagasaki).
-Hatto introduced for temples including the Onjouji, Shugendou, Touji and Koyasan.
c.1610 -Hasegawa Kakugyo (1541-1646) organized Fujikou (Mount Fuji worship groups) in Edo.
1612 -Once again, Christianity was banned.
-Hatto issued for the Koufukuji and Hasedera.
1613 -Hatto issued for eastern Shingon temples.
1614-1615 -The Winter and Summer Osaka Campaigns, as Tokugawa forces reduced the forces loyal to Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s son, Hideyori.
1615 -Hatto issued for the Imperial family, aristocrats, the Gozan (Five Mountain Zen Temples), Soutou Zen and Joudo Shinshuu temples.
1616 -European traders restricted to the port of Hirado.
-Hatto issued for the Kuonji Nichiren school temple.
1617 -Toushouguu mausoleum constructed at Nikkou for Tokugawa Ieyasu. He was deified as a bosatsu.
1619 -Fifty-two Christians burnt at the stake in Kyouto.
1621 -Overseas travel forbidden.
1622 -Construction of new Buddhist temples prohibited.
1624 -Spanish trade cut-off, and Spanish vessels prohibited from Japan.
1625 -Tenkai (1536-1643) constructed the Kan’eiji (Tou Eizan) in Edo as the administrative headquarters for the Tendai school.
1629 -Takuan Souhou (1573-1643) exiled to Dewa after criticizing the Bakufu for placing restrictions upon the Court regarding the issuance of shie (purple robes) to the abbots of the Nanzenji and Daitokuji Zen temples.
1630 -Leaders of the Fuju-Fuse exiled.
1632 -Senseiden Confucian Temple erected at the academy of Hayashi Razan.
1633-1639 -Sakoku (Closing of the Country), which included legislation such as the arrest of Christians, ant-international trade measures, and the prohibition upon any overseas Japanese nationals from returning.
1635 -Hatto issued to the Grand Shrines of Ise.
-Establishment of the Jisha (Office of Temples and Shrines).
-Tera Uke (Temple Registration initiated).
1637-1638 -Shimabara no Ran (Shimabara Revolt), when Christian peasants revolted against their despotic daimyo and then held out against the Bakufu forces, with Dutch naval support.
1639 -Portuguese trade cut-off, and Portuguese vessels prohibited from Japan.
1640 -Shuumon aratame yaku (Office of Religious Inspection) established
-Sixty-one Christians executed.
1641 -Dutch trading-factory transferred from Hirado to Deshima (an artificial island in Nagasaki harbour).
1642 -Severe famines.
1644 -Hayashi Razan wrote the Shintou denju, a text explaining Shintou through Confucianism.
1648 -Completion of the 6,323 fascicles of the Chinese Buddhist Canon by Tenkai (started in 1637), based upon the 1252 Siqi Fabaosi temple edition.
1654 -Yinyuan Longqi (Ingen Ryuuki, 1592-1673) arrived in Japan with disciples to teach Chinese-style Zen, which led to the Oobaku Zen lineage.
1657 -Thousands killed by fire in Edo.
1658 -Yamaga Sokou (1632-1685) wrote the Bukyou shougaku, which justified the Bakufu in Confucian terms.
-Kumazawa Banzan (1619-1691) opened academy in Kyouto to advocate the Confucianism of Wang Yangming (Oo Youmei, 1472-1528).
1660s -Itou Jinsai (1627-1705) advocated return to ancient Confucian texts.
1665 -Hatto issued to control all shosha (shrines) and negi (shrine celebrants).
-Yoshida family allowed to license shrine celebrants.
1668 -Establishment of laws to prohibit building of new Buddhist temples (although the building continued until c.1700).
1669 -Fuju-Fuse outlawed by the Bakufu.
1670s -Kaibara Ekiken (1630-1714) began teaching his form of Neo-Confucianism in simple terms, defined in his Wazoku douji kun.
1671 -Yamazaki Ansai (1618-1682) proclaimed Suika Shintou to be the Japanese equivalent of Confucianism.
1675 -Tachibana Mitsuyoshi (1635-1704) toured the country preaching Yoshida Shintou.
1681 -Tetsugen Doukou (1630-1682) and other Oobaku monks printed the Chinese Buddhist Canon (based upon the 1620 Lengyansi temple edition).
1684 -Joukyoureki adopted by the Bakufu (rather than the Court) as the official calendar. It was designed by Shibukawa Harumi (1639-1715), based upon the Jujireki calendar used in China 1281-1368.
1687 -Daijou sai (spiritual-king food offering) performed by the Tennou for the first time since 1466.
1689 -The Tendai teachings of Genshi kimyoudan declared heretical, while the teachings of Zhili became orthodoxy.
1690 -Hayashi family made the hereditary daigaku no kami (College Rector), giving independence to Confucian scholars (they no longer had to shave their heads since they were lumped with the Buddhist monks).
-The Shingon monk Keichuu (1640-1701) wrote the Manyou daishouki (his study of the Man’youshuu), sparking the development in kokugaku (Nativist studies).
1691 -Colossal Buddha Image of Toudaiji completed (although the temple buildings were not completed until 1705).
1703 -Manzan Douhaku (1636-1714) petitioned Bakufu to reform the Soutou Zen lineages, marking the beginning of the fukko undou (restoration movement).
1705 -First major o-kage mairi (pilgrimage) to Ise, repeated in 1771, 1803, 1830 and 1855.
1716 -Ogyuu Sorai (1666-1728) advocated ancient Confucian learning.
1729 -Ishida Baigan (1685-1744) began teaching shingaku and tzuuzoka doutoku (respectively Learning of the Heart Mind and conventional morality) to ordinary people.
-Itou Jikigyou Miroku (1671-1733) started Japan’s ‘new religions’ after writing texts on Fujikou (Mount Fuji Worship).
1736 -Yoshimi Yoshikazu (1673-1761) wrote the Gobusho setsuben, criticizing the teachings of Ise Shintou, plus other texts criticizing Yoshida and Suika Shintou. He advocated a return to a form of Shintou believed to have existed prior to the introduction of Buddhism and Confucianism.
1745 -Tominaga Nakamoto (1715-1746) published Shutsujougo go (Conversations After Emerging from Meditation), in which he said that Mahayana could not have been taught by the daijou hi Bussetsu (historical Buddha).
1751 -Shirakawa Masafuyu established new Hasshinden (Hall of Eight Deities) for official Court rituals.
1755 -The error-filled Hourekireki adopted as the official calendar by the Bakufu.
1760s -Kamo Mabuchi (1697-1769) began his studies of ancient Japanese literature, aiding the early beginnings of kokugaku (Nativist studies).
1767 -Kakure (secret) Nenbutsu groups suppressed in Edo.
1791 -Tsuchimikado family granted authority over Onmyoudou (Yin-Yang) practitioners.
-Yoshida family established branch office in Edo, followed shortly after by the establishment of Shirakawa family offices in Edo.
1792 -Russian attempts to open trade relations.
1795 -Russian settlers occupied Kuril Islands north of Hokkaido.
1798 -Kanseireki adopted as the official calendar by the Bakufu. Using Kyouto as its datum, it was the first Japanese lunar-solar calendar to employ western astronomical calculations.
-Motoori Norinaga (1730-1801) wrote the Kojiki-den (a critique of the Kojiki).
1803 -First US vessel visited Japan.
1804 -Jiun Onkou (1718-1804) completed 1,000 volume encyclopedia of Sanskrit.
-Russian Admiral N.P. Rezanov (1776-1807) visited Nagasaki.
1808 -Royal Navy HMS Phaeton visited Nagasaki.
1812 -Hirata Atsutane (1776-1843) wrote the Tama no mihashira, which combined kokugaku concepts and Christian ideas.
1814 -Kourozumi Munetada (1780-1850) founded Kurozumikyou, first of the so-called ‘new religions’.
1838 -Nakayama Miki (1798-1887) began teaching Tenrikyou whilst claiming he was possessed by a deity.
1841 -Hirata Atsutane exiled to Akita after his teachings criticized the Bakufu.
1843 -Inoue Masakane (1790-1849) exiled to Miyake Island after teaching Misogikyou.
1844 -The Dutch warship Palembang visited Nagasaki, carrying news of China’s defeat in the Opium War (1840-1842).
-Tenpoureki adopted by the Bakufu as the official calendar, the last Japanese lunar-solar calendar.
1846 -US and French warships toured Japanese ports.
1847 -Fuke Zen suppressed by the Bakufu, and the movements of shakuhachi Zen priests restricted.
1849 -Hirata Atsutane published the Shutsujou shougo (Laughs After Emerging From Meditation), which attacked various aspects of Buddhism.
-Fujikou banned by the Bakufu.
1849-1852 -Japanese ports toured by Russian, Dutch, French and Royal Navy vessels.
1853 -Commodore Matthew Perry (1794-1858) arrived in Japan to demand the opening of Japanese ports to US trade.
1853-1855 -Perry’s mission followed by similar demands for trade from the UK, the Netherlands, France and Russia.
1858 -Ii Naosuke (1815-1860) signed trade treaties with the USA, the UK, Russia, the Netherlands and France.
1859 -Kawate Bunjirou (1814-1883) began teaching Konkoukyou after being allegedly by a deity.
1860 -Ii Naosuke assassinated at the Sakurada Gate of Edo Castle, the start of a wave of terrorist acts enacted in the name of sonnou joui (‘revere the king and expel the barbarians’).
1862 -Choushuu-Han ordered shore-batteries to open fire upon US, French and Dutch vessels in the Straits of Shimonoseki.
1863 -Royal Navy vessels bombarded the port-town of Kagoshima.
1864 -Choushuu shore-batteries bombarded by Royal Navy and allied vessels.
1865 -Royal Navy fleet threatened Hyougo Bay, forcing the Tennou to sign a trade agreement.
-Kakure (hidden) Christians in Urakami village revealed themselves to a Western missionary.
1866 -Satsuma-Han and Choushuu-Han reached an agreement to oppose the Bakufu. A Bakufu force was badly mauled by the Choushuu forces. Satsuma-Han began its destruction of Buddhist temples.
1867 -“Ee ja nai ka?” demonstrations and riots in Nagoya spread to other urban centres.
-Bakufu reached agreement with France to suppress rebellious domains of Satsuma and Choushuu.
1868 -Meiji Restoration proclaimed after Kyouto was taken by forces from Choushuu, Satsuma, Echizen, Owari, Tosa and Aki.
-Mutsuhito (1852-1912) enthroned as Meiji Tennou, after the Imperial Capital was transferred to Edo.
-The new government ordered shinbutsu bunri (separation of gods and buddhas). Thousands of temples destroyed, haibutsu kishaku (defrocking of monks), Shintou shrines forced to adopt new identities and Christianity’s prohibition reconfirmed.
1869 -Jigikan (Department of Shintou Affairs) established, the highest organ in the process of Saisei itchi (Unifying Religion and Government).
-Meiji Tennou visited the Shrines of Ise, the first Tennou to do so.
-The Yasukuni Shrine established to house the eirei (heroic spirits) of those killed in the civil war.
1870 -Taikyou senpu undou (Great Teaching Promulgation Campaign) launched.
-3,000+ Kakure Christians banished.
1871 -Jingishou (Department of Shintou Affairs) demoted to ministry status.
-Anti-Buddhist policies rescinded.
-Outcast Emancipation Edict ended legal segregation of outcasts.
-Fukeshuu branch of Zen abolished.
-Monbushou (Ministry of Education) established to introduce national compulsory education.
1872 -Jingisho reformed as the Kyoubushou (Ministry of [Religious] Instruction).
-Buddhist monks reduced in status to the level of komin (Imperial subject).
-Laws prohibited any woman from attending religious ceremonies rescinded.
-Saitai nikujiki (laws forbidding monks from marriage or eating meat) rescinded.
-Private funerals prohibited.
-Independent Shugendou orders ordered to merge with Shingon or Tendai temples.
1872-1876 -Number of Buddhist temples reduced from 89,914 to 71,962, monks from 75,925 to 19,490.
1873 -Christianity permitted.
-Shamanistic practices such as exorcisms and faith healing prohibited.
-Gregorian calendar adopted.
1875 -Shintou Jimukyoku (Bureau of Shintou) established.
-Grand Shrines of Ise placed in charge of the Taikyou senpu undou.
1875-1876 -Japanese naval vessels forced Joseon Korea to open up ports to trade.
1876 -The Buddhist scholars, Nanjou Bun’yuu (1849-1927) and Kasahara Kenju (1852-1883) travelled to England to study Sanskrit under Max Muller (1823-1900).
1877 -Shajikyoku (bureau of Shrines and Temples) replaced the Kyoubushou, as part of the Ministry of the Interior.
-Japanese Buddhist monks dispatched to Joseon Korea.
1878 -Edward S. Morse (1838-1920) attacked Christianity as “unscientific” during his tour of Japan lecturing on evolution.
1880-1885 -418 volumes of the Shukusatsu (small-print) edition of the Chinese Buddhist Canon published in Tokyo, based on the 1251 Goryeo edition.
-Prohibition on police officers, soldiers, teachers, students and technicians from attending political meetings.
1882 -Shintou declared a patriotic duty not a religion. The Government ordered shrine priests to stop giving religious instruction. Shintou was divided between jinja (shrine) and kyoha (sect) Shintou (i.e., non-religious and religious).
1886 -Tokyo University established.
1888 -The photograph of the Meiji Tennou enshrined in all schools and government buildings.
-Nakayama Miki of Tenrikyou died, but Tenrikyou only allowed to continue under strict police surveillance.
1889 -Meiji Constitution promulgated, granting “freedom of religious belief within limits not antagonistic to people’s duties as imperial subjects”. It also gave the Emperor sole authority over the military.
1890 -Imperial Rescript on Education issued, with the principal clause being loyalty to the Emperor, and as the Government began inspecting all school textbooks.
-Kokugakuin University established to study Shintou theology.
c.1890s -Meiji social policy categorized under three groupings; 1) kanson minpi (exalt bureaucrats and despise the common), 2) kazoku kokka (a racial, family-based state, and 3) banki koron (royal considerations decide all issues).
1891 -Ministry of Education issued policy on shuushin (moral indoctrination).
-Uchimura Kanzou (1861-1930) denounced for rejecting the Imperial Rescript on Education.
1892 -Professor Kume Kunitake (1839-1931) dismissed from Tokyo University after writing an article linking Shintou with Chinese influences.
1893 -Shaku Soen (1859-1919) attended the World Parliament of Religions in Chicago, where he promoted Buddhism as a ‘scientific’ religion.
-Ministry of Education instituted the singing of ‘Kimi ga Yo’ at all schools.
1894 -Shintou shrine priests made Government officers.
-Japanese Army defeated Qing China in First Sino-Japanese War.
1895 -Taiwan annexed by Japan.
-Salvation Army established in Japan.
1896 -Interior Ministry drafted secret orders that aimed at suppressing New Religions, starting with Tenrikyo.
1897 -Suzuki D.T. (1870-1966) travelled to the US where he spent 11 years studying the Science of Religion under theologian Paul Carus (1852-1919).
1900 -Shukyoukyoku (Bureau of Religion) created within the Interior Ministry, marking the dawning of State-Shintou.
-Nitobe Inazou (1862-1933), a Quaker in the US published Bushido, The Soul of Japan, introducing Bushidou to the world outside Japan.
1902-1905 -347 volumes of the Manji edition of the Chinese Buddhist Canon published in Kyouto.
1903 -Japanese YMCA founded.
1903-1920 -‘Shine Mergers’, when the Government destroyed half of the Shintou shrines in Japan.
1904-1905 -Russo-Japanese War fought in Korea and Manchuria, and concluded by the naval Battle of Tsushima.
1905 -Army adopted kougeki seishin (reliance on fighting spirit) to make up for material deficiencies, and the introduction of seishin kyouiki (spiritual education) based on martial arts.
-Zokuzoukyou (supplement) to the Manji edition of the Chinese Buddhist Canon published.
1906 -Government began direct financial support to the officially-recognized Shintou shrines.
1907 -Ministers of the army and Navy required to be active duty officers, rather than Cabinet politicians.
1908 -Ministry of Education introduced textbooks that interpreted the Imperial Rescript on Education as viewing Japan as the ‘Emperor-Family State’.
-Tenrikyou established, the last of the 113 officially recognized Shintou sects.
1910 -The Korean peninsula formally annexed by Japan.
1911 -The Lese Majeste Affair, when 12 socialists (inc. Uchiyama Gudo (a Soutou Zen priest) were executed, while others (including the priests Mineo Setsudou and Takagi Kenmyou) were imprisoned.
1912 -Yoshihito (1879-1926) installed as the Taishou Emperor.
-151 volumes of the Dai Nihon Bukkyou zensho (Premodern Japanese Texts on Buddhism) published.
-Tokumitsukyou (precursor of PL Kyoudan) founded by Kanada Tokumitsu (1863-1924).
1913 -Ounishi Aijirou (1881-1958) founded the Honmichi.
-Shuukyoukyoku (Bureau of Religious Control) established as part of the Ministry of Education.
1914 -Tanaka Chigaku (1861-1939) established Kokuchuukai (Pillar of State Society) which advocated uniting Kokutai (Emperor System) with Nichiren’s Lotus Buddhism.
1916 -Oumoto had its name changed to Koudou Oumoto (Imperial Way Oumoto).
1918 -Japanese forcers joined British, US and French forces in Siberia against Russian Communist forces.
1919 -Government campaign launched against the ruiji shuukyou (pseudo-religions).
1920 -Meiji Shrine established in Tokyo to deify the Meiji Emperor.
1921 -Suzuki D.T. founded The Eastern Buddhist magazine.
-Deguchi Onisaburou (1871-1948)(the leader of Oumoto) jailed for treason.
-Crown Prince Hirohito completed his military training, then visited Europe.
1922 -Suiheisha (Levellers Society) established to fight discrimination against outcasts, organizing a strike against Joudo Shinshuu school in protest at Buddhist discrimination.
1923 -Great Tokyo Earthquake, followed by pogroms against Korean workers and leftwing activists.
-Government issued declaration on Strengthening the Spirit of Citizenry.
1924 -Taishou edition of Chinese Buddhist Canon composed.
1925 -Peace Preservation Law empowered police to arrest communists, socialists, democrats, religious dissenters, or those accused of discrediting Kokutai.
1926 -Hirohito (1901-1989) enthroned as the Shouwa Emperor.
-Books proposing rational (i.e., not mythological) foundation to concept of Kokutai (such as Inoue Tetsujirou (1855-1944) banned.
-Ministry of Education issued instructions on new physical education curriculum, which included Budou (martial arts).
1928 -222 volumes of the Japanese language kokuyaku issaikyou (Chinese Buddhist Canon) published.
-Okada Mokichi (1882-1955) founded Sekai Kyuuseikyou.
-Leaders of Tenri Kenkyuukai (a.k.a. Tenri Honmichi) and 385 followers arrested.
1929 -Taniguchi Masaharu (1893-1985) founded Seichou no Ie.
1930 -Makiguchi Tsunesaburou (1871-1944) founded Souka Kyouiku Gakkai (Souka Gakkai).
-Joudo Shinshuu leaders permitted followers to worship at Shintou shrines, but only as a sign of kokumin doutoku (virtuous citizenship) and not actual religious belief.
1931 -Japanese Kwantung Army seized Mukden (Shenyang) in Manchuria, starting the fifteen years of warfare in China that followed.
1932 -The radical, right-wing ‘Blood Brotherhood’ assassinated the prime minister and finance minister.
-In a nationalist swing, the government demanded all school children to worship at Shintou shrines.
-Japanese established the puppet-state of Manchukuo, under the nominal leadership of Henry Pu Yi (1906-1967, the last emperor of the Qing Dynasty).
1934 -Shisoukyoku (Bureau of Thought) established within the Ministry of Education.
1935 -Translation into Japanese of the 70 volumes of the Nanden daizoukyou (Pali Buddhist Canon).
-Jakyou senmetsu (evil religious cults) suppressed by the Police using the Peace Preservation Law.
-Deguchi Onisaburou jailed for treason.
1937 -skirmish at the Marco Polo Bridge near Beijing, marking the start of the Japanese invasion of China proper.
-Ministry of Education issued textbook on Shintou ideology.
-Hitonomichi Kyoudan (a.k.a. PL Kyoudan) suppressed by the Government.
-Campaign for General Mobilization of the Spirit of the Citizens launched.
-‘Rape of Nanking (Nanjing)’.
1938 -Tenri Honmichi suppressed by the Government.
-Indiscriminate firebombing of Chungking (Chongqing) by the Japanese air force.
-USA imposed trade embargo on Japan.
-Risshou Kousei Kai founded by Niwano Nikkyou (1906-1999).
1939 -Religious Organizations Law allowed the Government to control religious organizations, including the suppression of those which did not fit in with the concept of Koudou (Imperial Way).
-Hitonomichi Kyoudan (a.k.a. PL Kyoudan) disbanded by the Government.
1940 -Jingiin (Board of Shintou) established, while Professor Tsuda Soukichi’s (1873-1961) works on Shintou prohibited.
-Jehovah’s Witnesses jailed.
1941 -USA imposed oil embargo on Japan.
-2,000+ Korean Christians jailed after they refused to worship at Shintou shrines, and over 200 churches destroyed.
-Attack on Pearl Harbour, leading to the US declaration of war on Japan and Germany.
1942 -Buddhist temples ordered to ‘donate’ images, bells, etc to the war effort.
1943 -Jailing of the leaders of Souka Gakkai for showing disrespect to the Grand Shrines of Ise.
1945 -Tokyo and other cities systematically torched by USAAF firebombing raids.
1945.08.06 -The use of the first Atomic Bomb, used against the city of Hiroshima.
1945.08.15 -Japan unconditionally surrendered.
-Reforms enforced by the Occupation GHQ included the disestablishment of state-Shintou.
1946 -Hirohito Tennou publicly declared that he was not divine.
-‘New Peace Constitution’ promulgated, guaranteeing among many things the separation of church and state, and freedom of religious conscience.
1947 -Introduction of a new National Law Code, abolishing the system instituted during the reign of the Meiji Tennou.
-Kitamuro Sayo (1900-1967) founded Tenshou Koutai Jinguukyou.
1948 -Imperial Rescript on Education abolished, while the Eugenic Protection Law legalized abortions.
1950 -Occupation GHQ reversed its liberal policies and suppressed leftist groups in the wake of the outbreak of the Korean War.
1951 -Establishment of the Religious Juridicial Persons Law.
-Shinnyoen established by Itou Shinjou (1906-1989).
1952 -Conclusion to the Allied Occupation.
-Subversive Activities Prevention Law enacted.
-Hirohito Tennou visited the Ise Shrines for the first time since 1945.
1950s -Local communities broken up amidst rapid, widespread urbanization as industries expanded along the east coast from Tokyo to Kyushu.
1954 -Sanbo Kyoudan (which popularized Zen sabori) founded by Yasutani Hakuun (1885-1973).
1955 -168 volumes of the Tibetan Buddhist Canon published in Beijing by Suzuku D.T.
-Byakkou Shinkoukai founded by Goi Masahisa (1916-1980).
1956 -Tourist tax in Kyoto caused demonstrations led by 19 major temples and shrines.
1959 -Memorial for the War Dead established by the government at Chidorigafuchi.
-Mahikiri founded by Okada Koutama (1901-1974).
-Unification Church (founded in 1954 in South Korea by the Reverend Moon Sun-Myung) introduced to Japan.
c.1960 -Due to rapid urbanization, approximately 70% of people estimated to live in the cities and other major urban areas.
1960 -Ikeda Daisaku appointed as the 3rd president of Souka Gakkai.
1961 -Douboukai (Brotherhood of Faith) created by the Higashi-Honganji in Kyoto.
1964 -Formation of Koumeito (Clean Government Party) sponsored by Souka Gakkai.
1965 -Media criticized the Ministry of Education for its proposals to introduce draft textbooks on ethics (doutoku).
1970 -Scandal caused by Socialist Party accusing the Koumeito that they prevented the publication of I Denounce Souka Gakkai by Fujiwara Kousatsu. Koumeito proclaimed its independence.
-GLA founded by Takahashi Shinji (1927-1976).
1971 -Okinawa returned to Japanese control although it still was occupied by a bulk of US forces in Japan.
-For the first time, Hirohito Tennou visited the Peace Park in Hiroshima.
1974 -Foundation of the Japanese Islam Federation.
1975 -First media reports on the growing popularity of Mizuko kuyou (rites performed at temples and shrines for aborted fetuses).
1978 -Class-A War Criminals such as Toujou Hideki (1884-1948) enshrined at the Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo.
-Agonshuu founded by Kiriyama Seiyu (1921-)
1981 -Pope John Paul II visited Japan.
1985 -The entire governing Cabinet of Prime Minister Nakasone Yasuhiro visited the Yasukuni Shrine.
1986 -Oukawa Ryuuhou (1956-) founded Koufuku no Kagaku (IRH).
-Seven female members of Shinri no tomo committed self-immolation.
1989 -Akihito (1933-) became Tennou as the Heisei Emperor.
-Asahara Shoukou (real name Matsumoto Chizuo, 1955-) founded Aum Shinrikyou, as the media began to show the younger generations’ greater interest in cults, and mysticism in general.
1990 Toudaiji Buddha Hall restored. The Daijou sai (spiritual-king food offering) (funded by taxpayers) was first performed since 1926, despite the constitution of 1946.
1991 -Nichiren Shoushuu and Soka Gakkai (respectively a temple and lay organization broke apart.
1994 -US military accused Aum Shinrikyou of gas attack in Matsumoto.
1995 -The gas attack on the Tokyo subway, blamed on members of Aum Shinrikyou.
1996 -Aum Shinrikyou disbanded by the government, who proposed for the first time to invoke the Subversive Activities Prevention Law. Public Security Investigation Agency ordered to provide 24-hour surveillance of members and associates of Aum Shinrikyou.
1999 -Two laws introduced by the government to confiscate former-Aum Shinrikyou assets and suppress activities of their former members.
2000.08.13 -Prime Minister Koizumi Jun’ichiro visited Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo for the first time as Prime Minister.
2002.04.21 -Prime Minister’s second visit to the Tasukuni Shrine.
2003.01.14 -Prime Minister Koizumi’s third visit to the Yasukuni Shrine.
2004.01.01 -Prime Minister Koizumi’s fourth visit to the Yasukuni Shrine. A district court claimed the act contravened the constitution, but it was unable to enforce the ruling.

[HaSY]

can i ask about warrior monk's history?
why did they exist?what is their purpose?

[Gubook Janggoon]

You seem to be just bursting with information...

This will have to go in the important threads thread...