Shinoda Tōru

Shinoda Tōru (1919–2014) was a Japanese philosopher and historian of religion known for his work on Japanese spirituality and folk beliefs. He studied how traditional spiritual practices influence Japanese culture and identity. Shinoda emphasized understanding religion as a lived experience intertwined with daily life, rather than just formal doctrines. His research often explored Shinbutsu-shūgō (the blending of Shinto and Buddhism) and the importance of indigenous beliefs. Overall, he contributed to a deeper appreciation of Japan's spiritual traditions and their role in societal values and cultural continuity.