Shingon (True Word) Buddhism came to Japan from China in the 9th Century by the monk Kukai whose teachings have been little changed since. Earlier Buddhist sects had been very esoteric and secretive, but Shingon proved considerably more popular. It placed great emphasis on chants, magical rituals, and ceremonies for the dead, much to the delight of the average worshipper. The sect was responsible for spreading the Chinese religion far beyond the ruling class and continues to be a major faith today.
