This book effectively confronts shallow understandings of the ancient origins of Shinto as Japan's “indigenous religion” by offering a detailed analysis of Buddhist interpretations of the kami and their shrines. It does not debunk modern Shinto; rather, it displays and celebrates the multiplicity of ideas and meanings that the kami have inspired throughout Japanese history. Rambelli shows us that Shinto is even more fascinating than we thought.

Marcus Jacobus Teeuwen, University of Oslo, Norway

Before Shinto provides a fresh account of the history of interactions between Buddhist teachings and kami cults. Rambelli's semiotic approach to Japanese religion opens up a comparative perspective that challenges narratives of Japanese cultural exceptionalism and transhistorical continuities. Recommended reading for scholars and students in Japanese religions, Buddhism, and intellectual history.

David Weiss, Kyushu University, Japan

This thought-provoking book enhances our understanding-through the many twists and turns of Japanese history-of how Japanese Buddhist discourses about kami and the sacredness of Japan paved the way for the establishment of a Shinto discourse independent of Buddhism in the early modern and modern period.

Karli Shimizu, Hokkaido University, Japan