Fujishima Ryōon and the Movement for Establishing Buddhism as a Recognized Religion: His Period of Study in France

Abstract

This paper is devoted to the study of the monk Fujishima Ryōon 藤島了穏 （1852-1918）. Fujishima was a member of the Japanese Buddhist denomination Jōdo Shinshū Honganji-ha. His activities during his seven years’ stay in France （from 1882 to 1889） are almost unknown, and have not yet been studied. Some Meiji period Buddhist publications, however, contain documents in which Fujishima explains his studies of European philosophy, as well as his interest in the relationship between politics and religion, particularly from 1888. This was before Inoue Enryō visited France （1888-1889）, a visit on which Fujishima accompanied him while he was visiting France and Continental Europe. After returning to Japan, Inoue published a Treatise on Religion and State in Japan （Nihon seikyō ron 日本政教論, 1889） in which he advocated for the adoption of a system of “recognized religions” in Japan, becoming the leader of the movement for establishing Buddhism as a “recognized religion （kōninkyō 公認教）.” This system was clearly inspired by the French religious system of that time, the Concordat system. Even though I have not found incontrovertible evidence, it is reasonable to think that during his visit Fujishima taught Inoue about the French religious system.