Abstract
The purpose of this article is to suggest considering "State Shinto" studies as a study of the interrelation between "state" and "shinto." Should Koyasu Nobukuni's research on "State Shinto" studies be evaluated appropriately as a critical analysis? To answer this question, this paper will focus on the concepts of "nation" and "nation state." To date, most "State Shinto" studies have been regarded as a part of the science of religion, and the aspect of political science has been neglected. However, "State Shinto" is a research topic which should also be understood through the category of the "state." From that point of view, the question "What is State Shinto?" needs to be asked along with "What is a state?" In other words, "State Shinto" should be discussed in terms of the interrelation between both questions.
