This thesis explores the relations between modernity, postmodernity and new religions in Japanese literature. I examine the emergence of new religions since the Meiji period; modernity and religion with particular attention to Takahashi Kazumi's (1931-1971) Jashumonge (The Evil Creed) first published in 1966, and postmodernity, focusing on Shimada Masahiko's (1961- ) Yogensha no Namae (The Name of the Prophet) published in 1992. The development of new religious movements in Japan is intimately related to fundamental social changes that have taken place since the mid-nineteenth century.