Japan Society for the Promotion of Science:Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research
Date (from‐to) : 2011/04 -2014/03
Author : ONO Kimika; NISHIMAKI Isamu; GO Eihou; TO Sho
Focusing on the cultural activities of Li Shutong (Dharma Master Hongyi, 1880-1942) in Japan and China, and the relationship with his surrounding intelligentsia in both countries, we examined about the Sino-Japanese cultural exchange in early 20th century. Li Shutong studied western culture, such as art, music and drama in Japan from 1905 to 1911, and passed it to China after his return. He had a great influence on China's modernization. However, his sudden decision to become a monk shocked Chinese literary society, since they regard it as a denial of modern culture. Though it was difficult for Master Hongyi to get the comprehension of his contemporary intellectuals, he also made a substantial contribution to the development of Sino-Japanese Buddhism exchange.