During the 13th century AD, simpler forms of Buddhist worship were made accessible to common people and warriors by itinerant monks. These were a development from the Heian-period worship of Amida Buddha and the hope for rebirth in his western paradise, the Pure Land. According to Buddhist scripture, around 1052 the world had entered the Age of Degenerate Law (mappô), a period of conflict when Buddhist teachings were no longer followed. The hardship and suffering of the civil wars of the 1180s seemed to confirm this. Individual acts, such as meditation and chanting sutras, could no longer attain salvation for the worshipper.

The Jôdô, or Pure Land, sect was founded by Hônen (1133-1212), who emphasised salvation based on faith in Amida and the use of the nembutsu. This involved chanting the words ‘Namu Amida butsu’ (Praise to Amida Buddha’). Shinran (1173-1263) preached that one need not even have faith; a single utterance of the nembutsu would ensure salvation. Finally, the wandering priest Ippen (1239-89) proselytised (converted people) widely, promoting the nembutsu odori, a dance performed to the rhythm of the chant. Illustrated biographies were produced in handscroll format by followers of these men. New forms of painting showing Amida’s descent to greet the dying (raigô) also appeared.