"I have spent my life interacting with many of the Japanese progressives and Socially Engaged Buddhists written about in this volume. Watts has a deep appreciation and understanding of their important role in Japanese society, and so this volume is an important contribution. It also helps many of us outside of Japan to come to terms with and appreciate Japan's unique style of laicized Buddhism." Sulak Sivaraksa, leading founder, International Network of Engaged Buddhists (INEB)

"This ambitious book is an attempt to look through the history of Socially Engaged Buddhism in Japan and to identify and clarify various contemporary social issues connected to it. Watts' review the history of Buddhism since ancient times in light of trends in Socially Engaged Buddhism in the modern world is deeply significant. Although Socially Engaged Buddhism in modern Japan appears to be less prominent, a review of the history of Japanese Buddhism as a whole, and especially the history of modern Japanese Buddhism, will make current issues more understandable. I hope that this book will stimulate discussion about Buddhist social ethics and particularly the social ethics of Japanese Buddhism." Susumu Shimazono, professor emeritus of Tokyo University and leading scholar on Japanese religion in the modern era

"Socially Engaged Buddhism has had a higher profile in South and Southeast Asia, but it is becoming increasingly important in Japan. Having spent over twenty years in Japan experiencing the shift from high economic growth to its present social disconnection, I highly recommend this definitive history." David R. Loy

"Jonathan Watts' deep dive into Japanese Buddhist history shows that Buddhism has always been engaged with the social structures and systems in which people live. This look into Japanese Buddhist social history gives us much to ponder concerning the ethical and spiritual choices challenging all thoughtful, compassionate followers of the Buddha. Watts focuses on Japan, filling a lacuna compared with better known movements elsewhere. Given Japan's influence on Western Buddhism, this study enriches our understanding of Buddhism's place in the world. Readers in the West should appreciate a healthy dialogue with spiritually oriented thinkers and activists from another 'advanced economy' suffering from increasing mental illness, addictions, and meaninglessness amidst the global threat of climate destruction." Santikaro, translator and disciple of Buddhadasa Bhikkhu

"An impressive, ground-breaking overview of Buddhist engagement with Japanese society from the 6th to the dawn of the 21st century. Authored by an American with a time-tested dedication to engaged Buddhism in Japan and beyond, this book will be certain to inspire many who are concerned with the state of Buddhism in Japan to reassess its priorities toward a renewed vision for the future." Rev. Kenneth Kenshin Tanaka Prof. Emeritus, Musashino University, Tokyo; Chair, Editorial Board of the BDK English Tripiṭaka Translation Project