Shin Buddhism and Gender The Discourse on Gender Discrimination and Related Reforms

Japanese Buddhism has earned a reputation for being more conservative regarding gender issues than Japanese society in general. However, Japanese Buddhist denominations have not remained entirely untouched by women's movements in Japan in the 20th century and by social developments toward gender equality. In some Buddhist denominations discussions of gender issues have occurred, leading, in some cases, to reforms. 1 In this article, I will explore Shin Buddhism, or Jodo Shinshu, in relation to the discussion of gender issues, as it developed in the 1980s and 1990s within the two main branches of this tradition, the Otani-ha and the Honganji-ha. I will first shed light on the initial situation from which criticism and reform-oriented activities took their cue, and then examine which groups promoted gender equality and which reforms and changes have been achieved. In this context, the arguments used in this debate will be considered. At the same time, I will focus on which factors-from both within and outside the Shin Buddhist tradition-have been relevant in this development. In the conclusions the extent to which the religious communities are ready to enact reforms will be questioned.