The remarkable group of Japanese Buddhists who traveled to Chicagos Columbian Exposition to participate in the 1893 Worlds Parliament of Religions combined religious aspirations with nationalist ambitions. Their portrayal of Buddhism mirrored modern reforms in Meiji Japan and the historical context of cultural competition on display at the 1893 Worlds Fair. Japans primary exhibit the Hoo or phoenix Pavilion provided an impressive display of traditional culture as well as apt symbolism for Japans modern rise to prominence for Buddhist renewal succeeding devastating Meiji persecution for Mahayana revitalization following withering attacks of Western critics and for Chicagos own resurrection from the ashes of the Great Fire.