The Meiji era in Japan witnessed a complex intellectual and religious competition, particularly between Unitarianism and Buddhism, as each sought to establish its universal validity. This study examines the period between 1887 and 1922, focusing on the interactions and debates sparked by the American Unitarian Association's missionaries in Japan. It delves into how these encounters shaped Japanese religious thought and intellectual history during a critical transitional phase. The book analyzes the strategies and arguments employed by both Unitarian missionaries and their Buddhist counterparts in their pursuit of universal appeal and influence.

This scholarly work is likely to be appreciated by specialists in Japanese religious history and comparative religion. The detailed examination of a specific historical period and the intellectual exchanges between Unitarianism and Buddhism suggests a text rich in primary source analysis and nuanced argument. Its focus on the competition for 'universality' points to a deep engagement with philosophical and theological concepts. The book offers a focused contribution to understanding the complex religious landscape of Meiji Japan.