Spirituality in Japan during the Meiji Era

In the heart of the 19th century, Japan remained in relative isolation under the rule of the Tokugawa shogunate. However, the rest of the world was moving at a breakneck pace, driven by the Industrial Revolution and the imperialist expansion of Western powers. In 1868, Japan, pressured by the United States of America, decided to open itself to the world, embrace change, and, at the same time, rediscover itself. Thus began the Meiji Era, also known as the Meiji Restoration, a period that not only transformed Japan into a modern power but also rekindled its spiritual and cultural soul.

The Meiji Restoration was not merely a series of political and economic reforms but a renaissance that touched every aspect of Japanese life. With Emperor Meiji as the central figure, Japan took a proactive approach to modernization, sending delegations abroad to learn from the West and bring back knowledge that could be applied at home. Reforms in education, industry, infrastructure, and the military were swift and profound, catapulting Japan into a new era of prosperity and international power. But amid this whirlwind of changes, the nation did not forget the importance of maintaining its identity and deepest values.

Shintoism, Japan’s native religion, experienced a resurgence under state patronage, promoted as a key element of national identity. The figure of the Emperor is strongly tied to Shintoism, as he is considered a direct descendant of the Shinto gods. The shrines dedicated to the Kami (gods or spirits) not only continued to be places of worship but also became symbols of the strength and continuity of the Japanese spirit in times of change. The connection between the Japanese people and nature, a central element of Shintoism, remained a constant reminder of the need for balance between modernity and tradition.

Simultaneously, Buddhism, which had taken deep root in Japan since its arrival centuries earlier, found new forms of expression during the Meiji Era. Although the state favored Shintoism, Buddhism continued to be a vital source of spiritual wisdom and meditative practice. Zen, in particular, resonated with those seeking refuge amid the turmoil of modernization. In Zen temples, the practice of zazen (seated meditation) offered a space for introspection and inner peace, a way to pause, observe, and accept reality amid external chaos.

During this time, spiritual figures also emerged who left an indelible mark on Japanese culture. Usui Sensei, the founder of Reiki, developed his healing system that combined traditional spirituality with energy techniques. Other spiritual leaders, such as Deguchi Onisaburo, co-founder of the Ōmoto religion, and Nakayama Miki, founder of Tenrikyō, significantly contributed to the nation’s spiritual revival. These respected masters not only offered paths to healing and well-being but also helped keep the connection with the divine alive in a Japan undergoing profound transformation.

The Meiji Era was also a period of cultural flourishing, where art, literature, and philosophy reflected the tensions and possibilities of modern Japan. Writers and poets explored the complexity of living in a time of transition, where the past and present often clashed. In painting and sculpture, artists combined traditional techniques with Western influences, creating works that were both innovative and deeply rooted in Japanese culture. This dialogue between the old and the new, the spiritual and the material, defined the character of the era and left a lasting legacy in Japanese culture.

However, modernization was not without its challenges. Rapid industrialization brought about drastic social changes, including the displacement of rural communities, labor exploitation in factories, and growing economic inequality. In the face of these challenges, Japanese spirituality offered a counterbalance, a way to maintain humanity and compassion in an increasingly mechanized and competitive world. Traditional values, such as respect for the elderly, the importance of community, and the pursuit of harmony, remained fundamental in daily life, providing an anchor in times of turmoil.

Today, when we look back at the Meiji Era, we see not only a story of economic and military success but also a lesson on the importance of maintaining our roots as we navigate toward the future. The era reminds us that true development, whether of a nation or an individual, must be holistic, encompassing both the external and the internal, the tangible and the intangible. Japan, through the Meiji Restoration, shows us how a society can evolve and prosper while remaining true to its deepest principles.

In a world that often values speed and superficiality, the story of the Meiji Era invites us to pause, observe carefully, and embrace the journey of transformation with a serene heart and a clear mind. In doing so, we find not only progress but also fulfillment, meaning, and a renewed connection to what truly matters.

Jordi Ibern