The Invention of a New Religion

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Focusing on the evolution of Japanese culture, Basil Chamberlain explores the emergence of a new religion centered on loyalty and patriotism in his pamphlet. He emphasizes that this development is not spontaneous but rather a transformation of pre-existing ideas, reshaped for modern Japan. Chamberlain, a professor at Tokyo Imperial University and a pioneer in haiku translation, provides insights into the cultural and historical context of Japan in the late 19th century, making his work a significant contribution to understanding Japanese identity.