Quan hệ giữa nhà nước và giáo hội ở Nhật Bản từ sau kết thúc Chiến tranh Thế giới thứ hai đến năm 1995 qua trường hợp Soka Gakkai ttta

VIETNAM ACADEMY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES GRADUATE ACADEMY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES L DUONG THI KIM OANH RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE STATE AND THE CHURCH IN JAPAN FROM THE END OF THE SECOND WORLD WAR TO 1995 THROUGH A CASE STUDY OF SOKA GAKKAI Major: World History Major code: 92 29 001 SUMMARY OF THE DOCTORAL DISSERTATION IN HISTORY Hanoi - 2022 The dissertation was completed at Graduate Academy of Social Sciences, Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences Supervisors: Assoc Prof Dr Pham Hong Thai Assoc Prof Dr Nguyen Hong Duong Reviewer 1: …………………………………… Reviewer 2: …………………………………… Reviewer 3: …………………………………… The dissertation will be defended at the Graduate Academy Level Council of dissertation assessment at the Graduate Academy of Social Sciences, 477 Nguyen Trai, Thanh Xuan Time………date………month……… year The dissertation may be found at: - Vietnam National Library; - Graduate Academy of Social Sciences Library INTRODUCTION The necessity of the research topic In the development process of human history, religion appeared early and played an important role in society and political institutions The relationship between the state and religion is a popular and long-standing socio-political relationship By the premodern period, the relationship between the state and the church was generally implemented by “legalization” and increasingly contributed to social stability As an island country in Northeast Asia, the relationship between religion and the state in Japan was considered saisei itchi (tế trí 祭 政 一 致 , the unity of ritual and government) that is a combination of theocracy and subrogation That is reason why Japan became militarism and suffered heavy defeat in the World War II After the war, by reforming occupation, the occupying forces implemented a series of reform policies to separate religion from politics and freedom of religion In the context of post-war society, new religions have sought to employ social influence by participating in political activities, typically the relationship between Soka Gakkai and the Komeito political party Soka Gakkai became a prominent major religion and achieved much political success This experience of dealing with the relationship between the state and the religion in Japan is a lesson for Vietnam to deal with religion, especially new religion In order to clarify the theoretical and practical issues mentioned above, the author has conducted doctoral dissertation titled “Relationship between the State and the Church in Japan from the end of the Second World War to 1995 through a case study of Soka Gakkai” Research purpose and tasks 2.1 Research purpose The study aims to clarify the relationship between the State and the Church in Japan from the end of the World War II to 1995 through a case study of Soka Gakkai and assessing the impact of this relation on society and religious policy 2.2 Research tasks - The study clarifies theoretical basis of the relationship between the state and the church in Japan in the period 1945 - 1995 - The study clarifies the relationship between Soka Gakkai and the Japanese State in the period 1945-1995 - It then makes comments and evaluating the relationship between the State and the Church in Japan through a case study of Soka Gakkai Research subject and scope Research subject: Research subject of the study is the relationship between the State and the Church in Japan, namely the relationship between Japanese State and Soka Gakkai in the period 1945-1995 Research scope: Regarding time, the dissertation focuses on the period from the end of WWII to 1995 Methodology and research methods The dissertation utilizes the following research methods: + Historical method + Logical method + Comparative method + Case study + Additionally, the author has exchanged ideas with Japanese experts New contributions of the dissertation On theoretical and practical basis, the dissertation seeks to clarify the concept and social context in Japan It analyzes three stages of development of the relationship between the state and the church in Japan through a case study of Soka Gakkai and providing comments on the research issues Theoretical and practical significance of the dissertation The research findings of the dissertation will be an intensive research work on the relationship between the state and the church in Japan after the Second World War The dissertation will be a material source for researching religion Structure of the dissertation Besides the introduction and conclusion, the dissertation includes chapters: Chapter 1: Literature review Chapter 2: Theoretical and practical basis of relationship between the State and the Church in Japan after the Second World War through a case study of Soka Gakkai Chapter 3: Relationship between the Soka Gakkai and Japanese State through Komeito from 1945 to 1995 Chapter 4: Some evaluations drawn from the study of relationship between the State and the Church in Japan from the end of the second World War to 1995 through a case study of Soka Gakkai Chapter LITERATURE REVIEW 1.1 Reviewing literature 1.1.1 Research works on the relationship between the State and the Church in Japan Since 1945, there have been several typical studies on the relationship between the state and the church in Japan In 1976, Kishimoto Hideo completed the research titled “Religion and Society of Japan after the War” (戦後の宗教と社会), Keiei Publishing House This work mentioned prospects of developing the whole religion after the war and the process of importing religious freedom into Japan These contents contribute to clarifying the religious picture of Japan The second typical book titled The typical second book is titled “The separation of state and church in Japan and America” by Yoshiya Abe, Simul Publishing House This study clarified the content of religious policies occupied by the Applied Forces (General Headquarters) and the relationship between politics and religion in Japan right after the war, helping the author of the dissertation to have more useful knowledge In addition to major studies on the above topic, there are also several typical studies such as “Religion and politics of Japan – the Imperial Institution and Yasukuni Shrine” (日本の政治と宗教―天 皇 制 と ヤ ス ク ニ ) by Hikari Eiden, 1981, Asahi newspaper; “American occupation policies in Japan” (米国の日本占領政策) by Gohyaku Hatagashira, 1985; “Orthodox Church schism – the politics of religion in Japan and America” (政教分離―日本とアメリカに み る 宗教 の政 治性 ) by Abe Yoshiya, Simul Publishing House Nakano Tsuyoshi also published two books including “Japan – Political Issues and Imperial Institutions” (日本―政治的諸問題・ 天皇制), “Religion and the Global World” (グローアルする世界と 宗 教 ), 2011, Soka University These works have clarified the historical context and the picture of Japanese society before and after the war 1.1.2 Research works on the Soka Gakkai and Komeito Within the allowable framework, the dissertation mentions several outstanding studies as follows: “Religion and politics in contemporary Japan: Soka Gakkai Youth and Komeito” by Anne Mette Fisker-Nielsen, republished in 2017 In this study, Anne explains why the Soka Gakkai has a great interest in politics, she argues this activism stems from the activist religious and social philosophy and idealism of the Soka Gakkai and affirm that the Komeito is the Soka Gakkai’s answer to Nichiren Buddhism “The Soka Gakkai and the Komeito government unity: why join the government?” ((創価学会・公明党 政教 一体:政権参加を問う) by Kosakura, Shinnippon Publishing House (2004); “Religion and politics” (宗教と政治の接点) by Tamaru Noriyoshi, Seikainippon Publishing House; “Religion and politics in Japan – the goal of Soka Gakkai and Komeito” (日本における宗教と政治、創価学会・公 明 党 の 目 指 す も の ） by Takase Hiroi (ed.), Zaikaitsushin Publishing House; “Religion and Politics of Japan after the War” (戦 後日本の宗教と政治) by Nakano Tsuyoshi, Omeito Publishing House; “Religion and politics - What criticisms pro-Soka Gakkai organizations have?” by Ogawa Kaoru, Pipuru Publishing House, 1996 In general, these above works have mentioned matters related to the principle of separating religion from politics in Japan, of which, they focus on the contents of new religious sect Soka Gakkai and political party the Komeito 1.2 Achievements and the issues need to examine 1.2.1 Achievements - Previous research works presented a picture of the relationship between religion and politics in Japan - Previous research works mentioned in detail characteristics of the Soka Gakkai and information of Komeito 1.2.2 The issues need to further examine - The theoretical and practical basis that leads to appearance of the political movement of religion and opportunity for the birth of Soka Gakai and Komeito - The political activities of Soka Gakkai over periods through Komeito - Comments and assessments of the relationship between the state and the church in Japan, Soka Gakkai and its relations with the state through Komeito, and its impacts on society and religious policies Chapter THEORETICAL AND PRACTICAL BASIS OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE STATE AND THE CHURCH IN JAPAN THROUGH A CASE STUDY OF SOKA GAKKAI 2.1 Theoretical basis of the relationship between the State and the Church 2.1.1 The concept of the state The state has the characteristics that are public political power with a coercive apparatus to manage the common affairs of the society, population and divide territory into administrative units The state has national sovereignty and power to formulate and make laws, and the power to regulate social relations by law, it has the power to issue taxes and collect taxes The State is organized into agencies to perform its missions and functions, that is a system of legislature, executive and judiciary In a state, politics is to participate in the affairs of the state and stipulate the forms, tasks and contents of state activities Politics covers issues of the state regime, state management, class leadership, and partisan struggles The state is the center of political power 2.1.2 The concept of the church The Church is a religious organization This concept is in Article 89 and Section of Article 20 of the Constitution and under “the Religious Corporation Law” of Japan The Church is a place of worship and religious belief practices like a specific religion The necessary conditions for existing church are tenets, missionary activities, organizing ceremonial events and training believers, having worship facilities and organizations Specifically, according to Article “Religious organizations are organizations whose main purpose is to propagate tenets and perform rituals as well as fostering followers 2.1.3 The relationship between the State and the church Each country has its own development of the relationship between the State and the Church, as a result, there are many different StateChurch systems Popular models for state and church including model of absolute theocracy, cooperation modes, secularism, compromise modes, the separation of the state from the church called orthodox Church schism Along with the relationship between the state and the church, religious freedom in the society also coexists with this relationship 2.2 Practical basis 2.2.1 Tradition of the unity of ritual and government (saisei itchi-祭政一致) – refers to the unification of ritual and politics The Religious Corporation Law (宗教法人法) came effect at the end of the occupation reform This law aims to guarantee the principle of “religious freedom” and “Orthodox Church schism” while simultaneously supplementing and amending the Ordinance of the Religious Corporation Law This Law also supports religious community and the Ministry of Culture to deal with problems of religious organizations such as sectarianism or taking advantage of religion to impure acts The Law also respects opinions of the occupying forces 10 This thought came into Japanese subconscious mind and became reason for “coming back the tradition of the unity of ritual and government” after the occupation ended, which was the political movement of religion 2.2.2 Policies in the period of the allied occupation of Japan Japanese social reform policies implemented by the Allied Command (GHQ) including reform of religious policy, The post-war religious law had a strong impact on the development of religion and political participation in japan 2.2.3 New needs of religion in the trend of social development The process of Japanese social and institutional secularization has promoted the new religion to carry out social mobilization and participate in political movement Sub-summary of chapter It can be affirmed that before World War II, Japan completely followed “the unity of ritual and government” model After the War, under the mandate regime, the state enforce the principle of “separation of politics from religion” (orthodox church schism) In the post-war social context, new regions have much more opportunities for development 11 Chapter THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SOKA GAKKAI AND JAPANESE STATE FROM 1945 TO 1995 Along with the social transformation, Soka Gakkai has gradually returned and flourished to establish its own political party to be Komeito Soka Gakkai's political strategy is also flexible and consistent of the constant movement of society In the process of development, Soka Gakkai’s political participation can be divided into three main stages 3.1 The Soka Gakkai and the Komeito political party 3.1.1 The Soka Gakkai The Soka Gakkai ( 創 価 学 会 ) is a successful region in the relationship between religion and politics in the history of Japanese culture The first stage of the Soka Gakkai The first stage of the Soka Gakkai is associated with life, thought and leadership of the founder Makiguchi Tsunesaburo Reconstruction, stabilization and development stage The stage of reconstruction of the Soka Gakkai is associated with the time of leadership, ideology, and strategic direction of the second president Toda Josei Toda laid the foundation for the reconstruction and development of the Soka Gakkai The stage of political participation and global development 12 This stage is associated with life, leadership, and strategic direction of the third president Daisaku Ikeda In addition to developing an extensive network for Soka Gakkai, Ikeda has vigorously promoted the organization that combines politics and religion 3.1.2 The Komeito political party Komeito (公明党) is a major political party in Japan founded by president Daisaku Ikeda of Soka Gakkay on November 17, 1964 The Komeito’s operation based on the Buddhist philosophy of Soka Gakkai The Komeito is considered the most successful religious political party when it joins Japanese politics Currently, the Komeito wields influence in Japanese politics and become the fourth most powerful political party in Japan 3.2 Soka Gakkai’s political participation period (1945-1963) The first period from the end of WWII to 1964 This is the period that religious sects recovered, stabilized and focused on preparing election after the war, and mobilizing followers to become reinforcements and support candidates running for member of parliament 3.3 The period of founding the Komeito until Soka Gakkai separating from the political party (1964-1972) The second period lasted from 1964 to 1972, right after Soka Gakkai reformed the “political alliance” into the Komeito political 13 party During this period, under the command of the third president, Ikeda, Soka Gakkai had the strongest political movement The organization had constantly competed overwhelmingly, even using many tricks to achieve political goals leading to the point that they were repeatedly condemned “violating the principle of orthodox Church schism” by society The next period since Komeito separated from Soka Gakkai because of the public opinion that Soka Gakkai and Komeito were “the unity of ritual and government” entity (saisei itchi 祭政一致, tế trí) This was the period that Soka Gakkai and Komeito divide the apparatus to operate independently in legal terms but still support each other 3.4 The period of affirming Komeito’s position until disaggregation (1972-1995) This was the period that Komeito political party cooperated with the powerful political parties in Japan and Komeito asserted and won a high position in the Japanese political world Komeito once ranked the 4th opposition party in the political world This period lasted until the Komeito was officially dissolved and disappeared from the political world in 1995 Sub-summary of chapter In short, Soka Gakkai is a large, influential religion in Japan Soka Gakkai has been very successful in participating in politics in Japan by establishing its own political party named Komeito Soka 14 Gakkai’s participation in parliament can be summarized in three periods: from after WWII to 1963: it focused on preparing for election Political activities in this period were still fragmented, spontaneous and unsystematic From 1964 to 1972, Soka Gakkai had a big progress A remarkable achievement is that in 1964, Soka Gakkai succeeded in establishing the Komeito political party and the party became the third powerful political-religious party in Japan However, this relationship deteriorated due to a series of social criticizes, and the Komeito separated from mother religion in 1972 Finally, even though Soka Gakkai and Komeito operated independently, they still supported each other The story of the religious-political party is temporarily closed 15 Chapter SOME EVALUATIONS DRAWN FROM THE STUDY OF RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE STATE AND THE CHURCH IN JAPAN FROM THE END OF THE SECOND WORLD WAR TO 1995 THROUGH A CASE STUDY OF SOKA GAKKAI 4.1 Some evaluations of the relationship between the state and the church in Japan from the end of the second world war to 1995 through a case study of Soka Gakkai 4.1.1 The movement of political participation through election of religions is a special phenomenon in Japan Although the relationship between the state and the church in Japan after WWII regulated by orthodox church schism, in fact, religions have returned to political movement and state offices is a very interesting phenomenon, especially the Aum, the Science of Happiness, and the most successful religion is Soka Gakkai The special point in the political movement of religions, especially new religions like Soka Gakkai, is that by voting representatives for key positions of the governments at all levels in elections 4.1.2 Orthodox church schism is the main principle throughout the relationship between the state and the church in Japan in the post-war After WWII, the orthodox church schism had played a leading role in managing religious life in Japan The orthodox church schism 16 had separated religion from the state to bring it into the Constitution, Religious Corporations Law (宗教法人法) and applied for Japan in practice For the principle of orthodox church schism, Japanese society often occurs lawsuits to deal with violation or non-violation of the Constitution 4.2 Some evaluations drawn from the study of relationship between the state and the church in Japan after WWII 4.2.1 The relationship between the state and the church in Japan after WWII is a progress The relationship between the state and the church in Japan after WWII is very progressive First, considering orthodox Church schism as the main policy to separate political power from religious power in the direction of relationship between the state and the church Along with orthodox Church schism, religious freedom is a supported policy for major religious policy Second, the regulation on banning religious education in schools and requiring religion to withdraw from public schools is a progress in Japan Third, the change and reform of the relationship between the state and religion are also a progress in Japan Before the war, the relationship between the state and religion was very close, after the war, there have been a clear separation between the state and religion, and applying a secular state model of America Fourth, after the war, religious freedom and equality among religions have also shown a progress in Japan 17 4.2.2 The relationship between the state and the church in Japan after WWII has many special features 4.2.2.1 The profound influence of the tradition of “the unity of ritual and government” In Japan, the close relationship between politics and religion is a traditional feature with the principle of “the unity of ritual and government” After WWII, one of the manifestations of the return of “the unity of ritual and government” is that involvement in political life, sending representatives to participate in the legislative and executive bodies like Soka Gakkai In addition, annual visits of national leaders to Yasukuni Shrine and rituals with religious elements are typical examples of movement of “the unity of ritual and government” 4.2.2.2 Under Religious Corporations Law before 1995, the state had not much power over the churches in Japan Before Religious Corporation Law took effect, in Japan, the state did not interfere in religious activities In fact, the relationship between the state and the church in Japan shows that the principle of orthodox church schism and freedom of religion must be specifically applied in suitable conditions for each country The principle of orthodox church schism is the American product that bring into the Human Rights Command and the Shinto Ordinance which was later officially legalized in the religious law policy on the principle of 18 orthodox church schism in the Constitution and Religious Corporation Law (1951) Its original content in these two Directives was very loose and many gaps Thus, after applying in practice leading to religion interfere with politics Incidents and problems occurred in Japanese society after the war, especially Soka Gakkai’s political participation was condemned or the Tokyo subway system was attacked by members of the Aum in 1995 as a domestic terrorism or partisan debate has contributed to a breakthrough change in religious policy 4.3 Lessons learned for Vietnam Vietnam is a multi-religious country People have a long tradition of religious activities The consistent policy of the Vietnamese State is to respect and create favorable conditions for all people to practice their religious and belief freedom The relationship between the state and the church in Vietnam has also faced many problems From Japan’s experience, while developing policies of religion, Vietnam should base on actual context of religious, economic and socio-cultural life to build suitable policies There should be studies on new religions, ensure equality among religions and not favor or debase any religion Sub-summary of chapter The relationship between the state and the church in Japan after WWII was dominated by progressive policies such as orthodox 19 Church schism, problems in society have focused on the violation of this principle The political movement and political participation of new religions such as Soka Gakkai and Aum after the war to be considered a unique feature in Japan This is an expression of the return of the unity of ritual and government (the tradition of kingship combined with theocracy) The introduction of the Religious Corporation Law ended situation that the state was not allowed to deeply interfere in religious activities For problems caused by religion, the State has taken a stricter attitude and has tightened regulations on religious freedom Vietnam has also many problems in the relationship between the state and the church, especially new religions Japan’s experience shows that it must be studied carefully the selection and formulation of religious polices that is suitable to the country’s circumstance If society wants to be stable, it must ensure religious freedom, equality among religions and complete religious policies to promote efficiency and to build a secular state model, the rule-of-law state over religion 20 CONCLUSION It can be said that Japanese social context in the post-war has created a picture of typical relationship between religion and politics in Japan, that is movement of political participation of religion, in other words, the religious involvement in politics in Japan In the political movement, Soka Gakkai is the most successful Unlike other religions, Soka Gakkai has its own journey and choosing the politics of reincarnation by founding a political party of the church and participate in the political race in Japan That is the Komeito, it has always accompanied and served the interests of Soka Gakkai In the relationship between the state and the church in Japan, the relationship between Soka Gakkai and Komeito is the typical representative of the distinct development in Japan From the historical perspective, the relationship between the state and the church in Japan from the end of the Second World War to 1995 through a case study of Soka Gakkai has been clearly demonstrated by three periods By establishing a strong relationship and alliance as well as separating Soka Gakkai from Komeito and the common and private goals pursued by these two entities In order to solve the relationship between religion and politics, the Japanese state has taken practical and urgent measures These measures focused on the content of amending and adjusting the inadequacies in the principle of orthodox church schism in 21 constitution, Religious Corporations Law, and promote the State’s control over religious organizations Vietnam is a multi-religious country, the Party and State have had a lot of experience in solving religious problems Basically, solving religious problems in Vietnam is also solving the relationship between religions and politics (from perspective of dealing with religions), between religion and society Japanese experiences show that the best way to solve problems of religions and politics is that each country needs to have an appropriate religious law system Modern religious life is increasingly diverse and complex It is necessary to solve urgent problems through religious law, then the state’s difficulties and conflicts with religion/the church just be resolved and society will be peaceful and prosperous 22 The author’s research works related to the dissertation Duong Thi Kim Oanh (2013), “The Soka Gakkai’s political involvement issue”, Review of Northeast Asian Studies, No 7, pp 71-79 Duong Thi Kim Oanh (2018), “The political movement of new religion in Japan between 1945 and 1975”, International conference 45 years of Vietnam – Japan relations: Achievements and prospects, pp 322-327 Duong Thi Kim Oanh (2020), “The political movement of new religion in Japan after the Second World War”, Indian and Asian Studies, No (91), pp 43-49 23 ... follows: “Religion and politics in contemporary Japan: Soka Gakkai Youth and Komeito” by Anne Mette Fisker-Nielsen, republished in 2017 In this study, Anne explains why the Soka Gakkai has a great... have?” by Ogawa Kaoru, Pipuru Publishing House, 1996 In general, these above works have mentioned matters related to the principle of separating religion from politics in Japan, of which, they focus... especially Soka Gakkai’s political participation was condemned or the Tokyo subway system was attacked by members of the Aum in 1995 as a domestic terrorism or partisan debate has contributed