Abstract
Iida Toshihira (1820-1886), a scholar of National Learning (kokugaku), occupied a central position in the Office of Ceremonies (Shikiburyd) of the early Meiji government. This office institutionalized rituals and ceremonies important for State Shinto. This article analyzes Iida's political thought on National Learning and National Polity (kokutai). As a skillful scholar of classical canons, Iida insisted that the government should propagate the divinity of the Japanese Emperor as a descendant of heavenly deities, the majesty of the National Polity, and of the Imperial Japanese Way (kadd). Unlike his rival Hirata Atsutane (1776-1843), Iida denied the importance of teaching about the afterlife for national indoctrination. Some scholars argue that State Shinto is a "civil religion." "Civil religion," according to Rousseau, emphasizes the life to come. However, Iida's doctrine on State Shinto lacks this emphasis and is closer to Rousseau's religion nationale.
