Most Famous Japanese Religious figures

Japan has produced 40 notable religious figures throughout history, led by Nichiren. Rankings are drawn from a cross-verified academic dataset of 152,953 people.

Top Ranked

  1. Nichiren — Japanese Bhikkhu (1222–1282) , ranked #5907
  2. Kūkai — Japanese Monk (774–835) , ranked #7408
  3. Dōgen — Japanese Bhikkhu (1200–1253) , ranked #8760
  4. Shinran — Japanese Bhikkhu (1173–1263) , ranked #12737
  5. Hōnen — Japanese Bhikkhu (1133–1212) , ranked #16391
  6. Saichō — Japanese Bhikkhu (767–822) , ranked #18788
  7. Ryōkan — Japanese Monk (1758–1831) , ranked #22731
  8. Shunryū Suzuki — Japanese Missionary (1904–1971) , ranked #30549
  9. Eisai — Japanese Priest (1141–1215) , ranked #33218
  10. Takuan Sōhō — Japanese Monaco (1573–1645) , ranked #38588
  11. Taisen Deshimaru — Japanese Bhikkhu (1914–1982) , ranked #43784
  12. Nakayama Miki — Japanese Religious (1798–1887) , ranked #54858
  13. Ennin — Japanese Priest (793–864) , ranked #55235
  14. Hugo Enomiya-Lassalle — Japanese Priest (1898–1990) , ranked #61316
  15. Onisaburo Deguchi — Japanese Religious (1871–1948) , ranked #62650
  16. Sengai — Japanese Bhikkhu (1750–1837) , ranked #66764
  17. Ippen — Japanese Bhikkhu (1234–1289) , ranked #79985
  18. Gyōki — Japanese Priest (668–749) , ranked #84072
  19. Myōe — Japanese Bhikkhu (1173–1232) , ranked #88045
  20. Bankei Yōtaku — Japanese Religious (1622–1693) , ranked #91297