Encounter in the Netherworld: The Fusion and Evolution of Buddhism and Japanese Funeral Culture

Abstract

Funeral culture, as a reflection of social structure, religious beliefs, and aesthetic values, records the footprints of social changes and mirrors people’s imagination and pursuit of the afterlife. This paper explores how Buddhist culture has integrated with indigenous Japanese funeral customs and together shaped Japan’s unique view of life and death. It first outlines the evolution of Japanese funeral practices and, through analysis of typical funerals such as Takamatsu Barrow and Kitora Kofun, reveals the combination of Buddhist art and traditional Japanese culture. Additionally, the article compares Buddhist elements in the funeral customs of Japan and China, demonstrating how Japan has achieved localization and innovation for its culture while accepting Buddhist culture. Finally, the paper conducts a summative analysis of the impact of Buddhism on the Japanese ethnic view of life and death in combination with the whole text. The evolution of Japanese funeral culture is a complex process that reflects the changes in religious beliefs and presents the development of cultural identity and aesthetic concepts.