Archives West Finding Aid

The William P. Woodard Papers contain correspondence, manuscripts, allied occupation documents, research files, mission records, copies of his published writings, personal materials, films, and audiotapes.

The correspondence is arranged chronologically from 1916-1974. A large portion of the correspondence is to and from family and friends, including a few items received by his family after Woodard's death. The letters contain information of interest to historians, such as the 1923 Kanto earthquake and pre-World War II conditions.

Some correspondence relating to Woodard's research on religion during the allied occupation is present. Correspondence with John Foster Dulles (February 6, 1951), Douglas MacArthur (October 12, 1962), Edwin O. Reishchauer (September 25, 1964; December 28, 1964l and March 25, 1968), and John D. Rockefeller (October 22, 1951; November 5, 1951; May 21, 1952; and July 7, 1955) is in the collection.

The literary manuscripts have been divided into those of book length, article length, and works by others. The book length manuscripts include drafts ad related material to Woodard's The Allied Occupation of Japan and Japanese Religions as well as his dissertation. The article length manuscripts include not only articles but also book reviews, sermons, prayers, and speeches. Also included in this section are Woodard's diaries which range tin date from 1921 to 1961. These manuscripts reflect Woodard's interest in religions in Japan including Shinto, Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, and the new religions and sects which proliferated after World War II. Woodard's concern with religious freedom and tolerance appears in the manuscripts addressing the development of religious law in Japan.

The allied occupation documents section consists of bulletins, correspondence, memoranda, special reports, translations of press reports, religious policy, surveys of religion, and other items generated, primarily by Woodard's branch, during the occupation. These materials are separated into series. The series are arranged alphabetically, and material within each series is ordered chronologically. Many of the documents are drafts, but some are in final form. Of special interest are four boxes of material relating to the Yasukuni Shrine (the central state shrine for the veneration of the war dead) and a nearly complete set of Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers Instructions (SCAPINS).

The research files comprise the bulk of the collection. Materials are grouped by subject and arranged alphabetically. These files contain notes, information, and other research matter by and/or about individuals and subjects of interest to Woodard. Major subjects in this section are: Allied Occupation of Japan and Japanese Religions reference material; Buddhism, Christianity, education, emperor, new religions, new sects, religion in Japan, Religious Juridical Persons Law, and Shinto. Woodard focused his research on religion, but the section includes general social, cultural, and historical subjects.

The mission records contain correspondence and documents of the mission with which Woodard was associated, dating from 1869. The largest portion of this material is pre-World War II. It is an important source for researchers of the Christian missionary movement in Japan. The subjects remain grouped as they were received, arranged roughly chronologically with small subject files ordered alphabetically. Darley Downs figures prominently in these documents. His papers are also housed in Special Collections & University Archives, University of Oregon Libraries.

Woodard's published writing contained within the collection includes articles in journals, newspapers, and reports. Kodansha, a publishing firm, reproduced all the Japan Times articles by Woodard and these are in this section.

The personal materials include information and memorabilia of Woodard's family; military service; travel; and from schools, shrines, and temples. A collection of business and calling cards is included. A copy of the Imperial Rescript on the Declaration of War on the United States and Great Britain is also present.

Another section contains a series of thirty, 8 mm films on topics from firewalking, sumo wrestling, and traditional costume through religious places and rituals, including India and Thailand. These films are without audio and, with one exception, appear to have been made by non-professionals. The films are only identified by short notes on the containers.

Sixteen audiotapes of interviews with, and speeches by, prominent religious leaders in Japan are also with the papers. The tapes are mostly in English, but include some Japanese.

The collection includes 105 free-standing volumes. Woodard authored The Allied Occupation of Japan and Japanese Religions. He also edited and contributed to other volumes in the collection. Of special note, William K. Bunce's Religions in Japan: Buddhism, Shinto, Christianity is based on a report prepared during the occupation to which Woodard made important contributions. Other volumes in this section contain annotations by Woodard.

Photographs series include slides, prints, negatives, and picture post cards. A large portion of these photographs depict Shinto shrines, Buddhist temples, and paraphernalia. Other photographs show Christian churches, religious leaders, individuals, and Japanese scenery. Many of the photographs are not identified, although some can be identified by signs in the photographs.