The years after the Second World War marked a monumental shift in American religious consciousness and specifically in Americans’ attitudes toward Asian religions. Perusing issues of Life magazine during and after World War II acutely demonstrates the shift. In its 16 August 1943 cover story, entitled “How Strong Is Japan?” the popular magazine pronounces in a bold caption, “Japanese Are Imitative and Traditional … but United by Emperor Worship and Hate.” The report’s characterization of Japanese spiritual traditions is no less inflammatory. “The asinine tea ceremony was evolved from the Chinese who have long since forgotten it. It derives from Zen Buddhism and represents a contemplative philosophy of relishing small things. The ceremony is fully as elaborate as a college fraternity initiative. Japanese life is full of similar nonsense.” By 1951, after Japan’s defeat and occupation by the United States, Life magazine would return to Japan, but with a different eye. Its 31 December cover is graced by a pretty Japanese girl in traditional dress, smiling amiably for the camera. Here the feature story proclaims, “The Example of Japan: The Medieval Land That Became Asia’s Most Modern Nation Is Exerting a New Influence Today on the Ways of the West.” The color spread that accompanies the story features Zen-inspired homes and serene gardens, as well as Japanese traditional artwork, “a great, delicate art.” Shintoism is still maligned. However, by 1964, even this tradition – once closely linked with Japan’s military aggression during war – is rehabilitated.