JJRS > Volume 23 Issue 3-4 A Reexamination of the Kenmitsu Taisei Theory

Sueki Fumihiko

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Kuroda Toshio’s theory of the kenmitsu taisei (exoteric-esoteric system) is a well-established interpretive model of Japanese medieval society and religion. It has had a great influence on our understanding of Japanese history and the development of religion in Japan. However, there are many aspects of Kuroda’s kenmitsu taisei theory that remain ambiguous. The present article reexamines Kuroda’s theory and attempts to evaluate his contributions.