Ethan Bushelle

Ethan Bushelle is an Associate Professor at Western Washington University specializing in Japanese religions and literature. He positions ancient Japanese history within global intercultural frameworks, particularly examining the Bronze Age Eurasian influences on Shinto, samurai culture, and the imperial system. His teaching includes courses on Japanese humanities, religion, Chinese religions, and Buddhist traditions.

• PhD in Japanese Religions and Literature from Harvard University
• Current courses: EAST 302, HUMA 275, REL/EAST 382, and others

Research focuses on:

• Cross-cultural state formation
• Buddhist cosmic imaginaries in Japan
• Waka poetry and Buddhist aesthetics
• Esoteric Buddhist sacred geography

Recent publications analyze:

• Kūkai’s establishment of Mt. Kōya
• Heian-period literary-religious syncretism
• Role of setsuwa tales in power structures