The book of academician N.I. Konrad is a deep and versatile study of the culture of medieval Japan from the oldest period to the beginning of the 16th century. In the field of view of the scientist - history and religion, philosophy and social thought, ideology and art, literature and life. The author creates an original concept of the historical development of the original Japanese culture. The text was prepared for publication by the candidate of historical sciences N.A. Iofan.