This is not only a potent study of historical and current relationships between religious belief and democratic culture in Japan, but also a powerful solvent for blithe assumptions about secularisation, there and in the wider world. In addition, it offers a considered response to how we might achieve more humane forms of global governance.

Jim Whitman, General Editor, Palgrave Global Issues series

A fascinating and illuminating inquiry into strengthening democracy in postwar Japan by the selective infusion of religious and spiritual revitalization in a political setting that Sumimoto creatively portrays as ‘a post-secular world.’ Although the focus is on overcoming statist absolutism arising from Japanese pre-1945 experience with religiously endowed emperor worship, the book is greatly enriched by comparative national studies and by valuable commentary on the relevance of religion to humane global governance. Reading this book is an intellectually exciting and challenging learning experience.

Richard A. Falk, Albert G. Milbank Professor of International Law Emeritus, Princeton University