In Japanese Zen the type of zazen called shikantaza ("just sitting") is quite similar to silent illumination. It was introduced in Japan by Master Dōgen (1200-l253) after his return from China. In his work Principles of Zazen for Everyone (Fukan-zazengi), Dōgen writes:

You should therefore cease from practice based on intellectual understanding, pursuing words and following after speech, and learn the backward step that turns your light inwardly to illuminate yourself. Body and mind of themselves will drop away, and your original face will manifest.