There is no single national exam or government license that makes someone a Buddhist priest in Japan.
Japanese Buddhism includes many different traditions, and the path to becoming a priest, as well as the study and training required afterward, differs from one tradition to another.
For many of them, an important step is tokudo, a formal ordination ceremony.
In Soto Zen, for example, receiving tokudo means formally entering the Buddhist clergy. But that does not mean a person can immediately become the head priest of a temple or take on every responsibility within the tradition.
Training continues afterward. In Soto Zen, there are further stages, including denpo, in which the teachings are formally passed from a teacher to a disciple. A person must also meet additional requirements before becoming the head priest or deputy head priest of a temple.
In other words, tokudo is an important step in becoming a priest, but it is not the end of the process.
The Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha tradition has its own system. Before tokudo, candidates study basic Buddhist teachings, sutra chanting, and the proper way to conduct ceremonies. There are also examinations and formal training. Later, those who want to obtain the sect’s kyoshi qualification, a religious credential within the organization, must complete additional study, examinations, and training.
The exact path therefore depends on the Buddhist tradition.
Because many Japanese temples are passed from parent to child, there is also a common image that Buddhist priests simply grow up in temple families and inherit the role.
However, you do not have to be born into a temple family to become a Buddhist priest in Japan.
People who were not born into temple families can also enter the clergy. Some Buddhist universities offer courses where students can study and train for the priesthood.
Japanese nationality is not a nationwide requirement either. Foreigners can also study Buddhism in Japan and pursue a path toward becoming a priest, as long as they meet the requirements of the particular tradition and institution involved. In practice, they may also need enough Japanese to study and train, as well as the appropriate immigration status for living or studying in Japan.
Koyasan University, for example, accepts international students and also provides programs and religious training for people seeking to become Shingon Buddhist priests.
In Japan, the Buddhist clergy is therefore not seen as a completely closed world reserved for temple heirs. Many priests do come from temple families, but there are also established routes for people entering from outside.
Becoming a Buddhist priest in Japan is not simply a matter of inheriting a temple or graduating from a religious school.
A person joins a particular Buddhist tradition, receives ordination, studies its teachings, undergoes the required training, and completes the steps recognized by that tradition.
References
- Soto Zen Buddhism, “Soto Zen Net” — Frequently Asked Questions
- Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha — Tokudo Training, Examinations, and Ordination Preparation
- Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha — Kyoshi Training
- Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha — Organizational Regulations
- Koyasan University — International Student Admissions
- Koyasan University — Becoming a Buddhist Priest / Special Course in Esoteric Buddhism
