born June 21, 1730, Matsuzaka, Japan
died Nov. 5, 1801, Matsuzaka
Japanese Shint 014D; scholar.
Trained as a physician, he came under the influence of the Kokugaku movement, which stressed the importance of Japan's literary heritage. The critical methods he used in his commentaries on Japanese classics provided the theoretical foundation of the modern Shint 014D; revival. Rejecting Buddhist and Confucian interpretations, he traced the genuine spirit of Shint 014D; to Japanese myths and sacred traditions. He reaffirmed the ancient Japanese concept of musubi (the mysterious power of all creation and growth), which has become one of the main tenets of modern Shint 014D; .