Occult Japan is an esoteric study of Japanese personality and possession based on Japan's indigenous religion, Shinto, and other aspects of Japanese culture, history and heritage. Shinto, also known as "The Way of the Gods," revolves around the kami ("gods" or "spirits"), supernatural entities believed to inhabit all things. The kami are worshiped at kamidana household shrines, family shrines, and public shrines. The study offers exhaustive observations and academic discussions of various aspects of Japanese life, including language, religious practices, economics, travels in Japan, and the development of personality.

Percival Lowell (1855-1916) was an American businessman, author, mathematician, and astronomer who fueled speculation that there were canals on Mars. He spent significant periods of time in Japan, writing books on Japanese religion, psychology, and behavior.