Le Japon, un modèle de laïcité pour la France au moment de la loi de 1905 ? Interactions, malentendus et appropriations réciproques

Abstract

French secularism (laïcité) is often perceived as an exclusively French concept. However, this was not the understanding of secularism’s progenitors. Indeed, one of them – Aristide Briand – pointed to the “many supporters” of a “complete separation of church and state” to be found in Japan. Briand, a chronicler of France’s 1905 law on separation, made the comments in reference to a document signed by Alexandra Myrial, who used the alias David-Néel. This article identifies the sources used by Myrial when writing that text. It also reflects on the contrasting aims of Myrial – who evoked the politico-religious situation in Japan to promote secularism in France – with the intention of her Japanese source, who in contrast was in favor of the French concordat system.

Keywords

• Buddhism
• Alexandra David-Néel
• Fujishima Ryōon
• Chikazumi Jōkan
• State Shinto
• Japanese secularism