Kamo no Mabuchi
Kamo no Mabuchi (1697–1769) was a prominent Japanese scholar and poet known for his contributions to the National Learning movement, which sought to revive Japan’s ancient spiritual traditions. Born in Omi province, he was raised in a family with strong Shinto ties, with his father serving as a priest. Mabuchi's literary journey began early, participating in poetry contests by age eleven and receiving mentorship from notable poets. His studies under Kada no Azumamaro, a key figure in the National Learning movement, deepened his commitment to reviving Japan's indigenous culture, particularly through the study of the ancient poetry collection, Man'yôkû.
Mabuchi's philosophy emphasized the importance of Shinto as a means to connect with the natural and spiritual world, rejecting foreign influences like Buddhism and Confucianism. He became a respected teacher in Edo, attracting many followers and influencing the Shinto revival during the Tokugawa period. His legacy includes a strong advocacy for the veneration of the emperor, which resonated in Japanese society until the end of World War II. Despite his enduring impact, much of his work remains untranslated into English, making it less accessible to international audiences. Mabuchi's life and teachings reflect a significant period of cultural introspection in Japan, highlighting the interplay between tradition and modernity.
On this Page
Subject Terms
Kamo no Mabuchi
Poet
- Born: March 4, 1697
- Birthplace: Iba, Japan
- Died: October 31, 1769
- Place of death: Edo (now Tokyo), Japan
Biography
Kamo no Mabuchi was born on March 4, 1697, at Iba, in Japan’s Omi province (now Shizuoka prefecture). He was a member of an extended family, the Okaba, descendants of the overseers of the Shinto shrine in Kyoto. His father was a Shinto priest and part-time farmer who encouraged his son’s aesthetic interests. After receiving instruction from poet Sugiura Kuniakira, Mabuchi began participating in poetry contests by the age of eleven.
In 1733, Mabuchi entered the school of Kada no Azumamaro, a famous scholar who advocated National Learning (kokugaku), also called Fukko Shinto. The school encouraged the restoration of Japan’s ancient spirit (or kokoro) before the introduction of alien Buddhist and Confucian influences from China. While at Kada’s school, Mabuchi began his work on the Man’yôkû, an eighth century collection of Japanese poems. He believed that this poetry embodied the ancient spirit, which continued to survive in the spontaneous life of the rural people. By rejecting the artificial knowledge of the Buddhists and Confucians, he asserted that the Shinto religion provided a path to a natural and harmonious unity with the spirit of the universe. Politically, he understandably supported the Tokugawa shogun, which promoted Shinto and ruled in the name of the emperor.
When Kada died in 1736, Mabuchi successfully presented himself as Kada’s successor. Establishing an academy at Edo (now Tokyo), Mabuchi soon had hundreds of dedicated followers. About 1644, he was appointed a teacher of classical studies by the Tayasu branch of the Tokugawa family. For the remainder of his life he continued to write poetry and teach his nationalistic and religious doctrines. In 1763, he became acquainted with Motoori no Norinaga, his future successor as the leading voice of the National Learning school. Mabuchi died in 1769.
Mabuchi was one of the four great scholars of the National Learning school. His poetry and teachings gave considerable support to the Shinto religion and veneration of the emperor. As such, his influence continued to be very significant until the end of World War II. Unfortunately, few of his writings have been translated into English.