English summary: Japanese Buddhism is one of the most influential, multifaceted and vital traditions of Buddhism. Christoph Kleine presents the most comprehensive and up-to-date overview of this fascinating religion currently available in any European language. Describing the current state of international research, it gives reliable information on the history, doctrines and practices of all the relevant doctrinal traditions, religious orders, movements, sects and denominations of Japanese Buddhism. The author provides a critical analysis of specific features of the religious history of Japan from the perspective of a systematic religious science. The volume is indispensable for all teachers and students who intend to delve into Japanese Buddhism and the history of religions in Japan. Numerous references enable the reader to start his or her own research or to study this subject in greater depth.

German description: Als erster Autor uberhaupt erortert Christoph Kleine in einer Gesamtschau die Besonderheiten der japanischen Religionsgeschichte kritisch unter systematisch religionswissenschaftlichen Gesichtspunkten, indem er die historischen Fakten mit Fragestellungen und Theorien der allgemeinen Religionswissenschaft verknupft.