About Shinjō Itō
Lived 1906 – 1989 (aged 83). Shinjō Itō was a Japanese artist, photographer, teacher, religious leader, buddhist monk and sculptor.
was the Japanese founder of Shinnyo-en, a Buddhist new religious group.
He was born in Yamanashi Prefecture in Japan. After a career as an aeronautic engineer, he dedicated himself to a religious life. He trained at the Daigo-ji monastery and became a Dai-Ajari of Shingon Buddhism and later founded Shinnyo-en in 1936.
Besides his work as a Buddhist teacher, Itō is also known as a Buddhist sculptor and photographer. His works were featured in a Centennial Exhibition throughout Japan in 2006 and a major exhibit at the Milk Gallery in New York City in 2008. Other exhibitions include a solo exhibit at the Westwood Art Forum in Westwood, Los Angeles, California from May 8, 2008 – June 29, 2008.
Works Ito, Shinjo, Shinjo: Reflections, Somerset Hall Press, 2009.
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Important facts
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Contemporaries
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Frequently asked questions
Who was Shinjō Itō?
Japanese Buddhist teacher (1906–1989)
When was Shinjō Itō born?
Shinjō Itō was born on 28 March 1906 in Akita.
When did Shinjō Itō die?
Shinjō Itō died on 19 July 1989.
What was Shinjō Itō's occupation?
Shinjō Itō was an artist, photographer, teacher, religious leader, buddhist monk and sculptor.
What nationality was Shinjō Itō?
Shinjō Itō was Japanese.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Shinjō Itō. https://biography.guide/shinjo-ito/
MLA: "Shinjō Itō." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/shinjo-ito/.
Chicago: "Shinjō Itō." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/shinjo-ito/.
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