معرفی
Ryuichi Abe is the Reischauer Institute Professor of Japanese Religions at Harvard University, currently on leave during 2025-26. He holds a Ph.D. in Religious Studies from Columbia University and teaches graduate and undergraduate courses on East Asian religions, premodern Japanese religions, and Buddhism.
- Education
- B.A. in Economics from Keio University
- M.A. from School of Advanced International Affairs, Johns Hopkins University
- M.Phil. and Ph.D. in Religious Studies from Columbia University
Professor Abe's research focuses on Japanese Buddhism and its intersections with visual culture, literature, and gender studies. He explores historical developments of esoteric Buddhist traditions and interactions between Shinto and Buddhist practices.
His work spans critical analyses of Buddhist textual theory, medieval origin narratives, and the cultural impact of figures like Zen Master Ryōkan. Publications include studies on Kūkai's esoteric discourse, the Lotus Sutra's medieval interpretations, and Xuanzang's Heart Sutra in Japanese kami worship contexts.
Key themes in his research include ritual consecration, medieval Buddhist environments, and the symbolic integration of Shinto elements into Buddhist frameworks. He has contributed to journals such as Japanese Journal of Religious Studies and Impressions.
