• Introduction: Wellsprings of Japanese Spirituality [Reading]
Brief paragraphs introducing Shintô, Buddhism, and Confucianism.

• Shintô [Reading]
An essay describing the history of and concepts central to Shintô. Discussion questions are included.

• Guide to "Shintô: Nature, Gods, and Man in Japan" [Teacher's Guide]
This unit introduces Shintô with an educational video. Includes discussion questions to be used after showing video.

• The Legendary Past: The Age of the Gods [Reading]
An introduction to the creation myths of Japan. Contains a paraphrased version of these myths as told in the Kojiki and the Nihongi. These legends have been important to Japanese religion, historical consciousness, and national identity. Includes discussion questions for students.

• The Origins of Buddhism [Reading]
An essay outlining the origins of Buddhism in India, its spread throughout East Asia, and its central concepts. Includes discussion questions for students.

• Buddhism in Japan [Reading]
An essay that outlines Buddhism's interaction with Shintô and the various schools of Buddhism that were founded in Japan. Includes discussion questions for students.

• Religious Attitudes Today [Reading]
A TIME magazine article discussing the mix of religious practices followed by many Japanese today. Discussion questions included.

• Contemporary Japan: Society and Culture [Video/Text]
This video unit examines Japanese society and culture since 1945, including urban and rural life in contemporary Japan, changing norms in the Japanese family, the concept of 'outsiders' in Japanese social life, the culture of work and school life, new and old religions, and Japanese pop culture. Featuring Harvard University professors Theodore Bestor (anthropology) and Helen Hardacre (religion and society).