'Earnest desires': The Iwakura embassy and Meiji religious policy

The impact of the Iwakura embassy (1871-3) on the course of subsequent Japanese history is worthy of consideration, but it is a question that defies precise quantifying. The issue of Christianity, however, has long appeared to be one area where impact is clearly identifiable: the protests of foreign governments persuaded Iwakura and his embassy to adopt a new, more tolerant approach to foreign religion, which was translated into the historic removal of the anti-Christian notice-boards in 1873. This article examines sources outside the much-used Beiō kairan jikki and finds this long-established view wanting. It is argued here that, far from 'enlightening' the leadership and so directly aiding the cause of Christianity in Japan, the Iwakura embassy had two effects above all: it confirmed the leadership in its anti-Christian stance and, ironically, did much to bolster the fortunes of Buddhism.

Keywords:

• Iwakura
• Christianity
• Kyōbushō
• Buddhism
• Shimaji
• Aoki