Year of Graduation

2026

Document Type

Thesis

Major

Religious Studies

Directing Professor

Professor Ashleigh Breske, Professor Marwood Larson-Harris

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the complex relationship between religion and state during the Meiji era (1868-1912). Specifically, how central governmental and religious figures craft a sense of unity and national identity. The primary research question of this study is: How did the Meiji Emperor’s development as a totem unite the people and grant credibility to the Meiji era (1868-1912)? A totem in this context is a functioning symbol that is both representative and sacred. This study was conducted through the analysis of primary source documents, Imperial shrine activity, and historical context sources. Through analysis of these sources using the theories of Emile Durkheim and Franz Boas, this study found that the Meiji Emperor’s role as a totem helped unite Japan and carve out a distinctly Japanese identity in the modern world. These findings are significant because they introduce a new feature to the Meiji Emperor’s reign and help reconcile the relationship between religion and state. These findings contribute to broader generalizations by furnishing our understanding of the greater functioning of religion in the world.

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