What is Shinto? A simple explanation of its teachings, history, differences with Buddhism, and why it is not considered a religion

//Summary - Level-B2//

Shinto is a traditional Japanese belief system that honours nature, ancestors, and countless gods known as kami. It has no founder, scriptures, or strict teachings, and it developed naturally from ancient folk practices. Central ideas include purity, honesty, and living in harmony with the natural world. Shinto worship involves rituals at shrines, seasonal festivals, and local deities called ujigami.

Shinto myths, recorded in texts such as the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki, describe gods like Amaterasu (the sun goddess) and Izanagi and Izanami, who are considered the creators of the world. Over time, Shinto blended with Buddhism and Confucianism, especially during the Heian and Edo periods. In the Meiji period, it became a state religion, but this ended after World War II.

Today, Shinto is considered more a way of life than a religion. It continues to influence Japanese culture, values, and daily life, including visits to shrines and seasonal rituals. While modern Japan faces social challenges, Shinto’s focus on harmony and respect for nature offers valuable guidance. Exploring Shinto helps people understand Japanese identity and history more deeply.

A)
Shinto is an ancient Japanese religion born out of a sense of awe and gratitude towards nature, where it is believed that eight million gods dwell in all things. Originating long before the use of writing, Shinto is deeply rooted in Japanese history, culture and the spirituality of the Japanese people.

Learning about Shinto leads to a deeper understanding of the Japanese spirit that we have inherited from our ancestors. Expand your knowledge of Shinto and explore Japanese culture and history!

B)
What is Shinto?

Shinto is a belief system that originated from indigenous Japanese folk beliefs, said to have begun around the Jomon period. Throughout its long history, it has become deeply rooted in the lifestyle and culture of the Japanese people, merging with foreign ideas such as Buddhism and Confucianism.

Characteristics of Shinto:

Shinto has no clear doctrines or scriptures. Instead, it can be said to be a collection of various folk beliefs.

The basic tenets of the faith include a view of nature that "gods dwell in all things" and an ethical view that emphasises "pure honesty". Another characteristic of Shinto is the belief in ujigami, or local deities.

C)
Jomyo Seityoku(gods dwell in all things):
A state in which one's heart is pure and bright, one speaks the truth, and one's words and actions are consistent—a person who can treat others honestly and build good relationships.

Ujigami:
A protective deity of a particular clan or family. One of Japan's traditional beliefs is that different ujigami exist depending on the region and family lineage.

D)
Shinto for the Japanese:

Shinto is a belief that is still deeply rooted in the lives and culture of the Japanese people. The influence of Shinto is strongly reflected in the lives of Japanese people, such as rituals at shrines, first shrine visits on New Year's Day, and commemorations of ancestors during Obon.

Shinto elements also remain strong in Japan's traditional performing arts and annual events. In this way, Shinto is an essential foundation of Japanese spirituality.

E)
Remembrance of the ancestors during Obon:

Shinto does not have a concept of reincarnation, and it is believed that ancestors go to the underworld after death. During Obon, it is believed that the spirits of the ancestors return to this world. To welcome the spirits of the ancestors, a ghost shelf is set up at home, and offerings and Obon dishes are prepared.

F)
Gods in the Kojiki:

The Kojiki is Japan's oldest historical book, completed in 712. It contains myths, imperial genealogy, ancient events, and more, and is one of the most critical documents in Japanese Shinto.

The origins of Shinto date back much further than the writing of the Kojiki, but studying the Kojiki is an essential key to understanding the myths and beliefs of ancient Shinto. Here are some representative ancient Japanese gods that appear in the Kojiki.

G)
Amenominakanushi no Kami:

The first god to appear in Japanese mythology is Ōmikamiaterasu Ōmikami. In the Kojiki, this god is said to have been one of the Amatsukami and to have first appeared at the time of creation. It is noted that Amenominakanushi no Kami is considered to be the supreme deity who rules the centre of heaven. However, the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki contain almost no description of this god's achievements.

H)
Izanagi no Mikoto and Izanami no Mikoto:

In the Kojiki, Izanagi no Mikoto and Izanami no Mikoto appear as gods involved in the creation of the Earth. Before the world and the heavens had not yet been divided, the two gods descended to Takamagahara and stirred the sea by thrusting their spears into it.

The tide that dripped from the tip of the spear accumulated and formed a muddy substance called odoro. This became the fourth Earth.

The two gods stood on the Odoro and made a vow as husband and wife. They then travelled around the Pillars of Heaven and Earth and created the eight islands, including Awaji Island, which is part of Japan's territory. After that, not only the islands, but also the mountains, rivers, plants and various gods were created by Izanagi and Izanami.

Amaterasu Omikami:

Amaterasu Omikami is the supreme goddess in Japanese mythology, known as the sun goddess. In the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki, Amaterasu Omikami is depicted as the presiding goddess of Takamagahara and is considered the ancestor of the imperial family.

It has been believed that the emperors, including Emperor Jimmu, are descended from Amaterasu Omikami. Therefore, Amaterasu Omikami has been deeply revered by the people as a god who protects the prosperity of the Imperial Family and the peace of Japan.

J)
Tsukuyomi no Mikoto:

Tsukuyomi no Mikoto is a deified moon that appears in the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki. He is usually called Tsukuyomi, but is sometimes read as Tsukiyomi.

Tsukuyomi is a twin god of Amaterasu Omikami and the older brother of Susanoo no Mikoto. Tsukuyomi no Mikoto does not play a very prominent role in mythology.

However, because of his silence, he attracts many people as a god of profound mystery and charm.

K)
Susanoo no Mikoto:

Susanoo no Mikoto is a representative male god in Japanese mythology, and he is variously written as Takehayasu Susanoo no Mikoto or Susanoo no Mikoto. Known as a fierce god, he is active in myths such as the killing of the Yamata no Orochi.

Susanoo was born the younger brother of Amaterasu Omikami. However, due to his violent behaviour in Takamagahara, he was banished by his older sister and descended to Izumo.

There, he killed Yamata no Orochi and married Kushinadahime. He and his wife gave birth to many gods and are said to be the ancestors of the Izumo gods.

Since the Heian period, he has also been syncretised with Gozu Tenno and is worshipped as a god who protects against epidemics.

L)
Okuninushi no Kami:

Okuninushi no Kami is one of the most important gods in Japanese mythology. He is still worshipped as a god who was active in various fields, including land management, agriculture, medicine, and marriage.

There are many shrines dedicated to Okuninushi no Kami throughout the country, including Izumo Taisha. After the Edo period, Okuninushi was syncretised with Daikokuten, a Buddhist deity, and became one of the Seven Lucky Gods.

Daikokuten is worshipped as the god of wealth and prosperity in business.

Let's take a look at the history of Shinto, starting with the Jomon period.

M)
Jomon period (around 14,000 BC to around the 10th century BC):

It is believed that people in the Jomon period worshipped the powers and spirits of nature and believed in praying for good harvests and safety. Clay and rock figures imitating the sun, moon, mountains, rivers and animals have been unearthed from ruins and are thought to be expressions of reverence for nature and belief in spirits.

N)
Ancestor worship:

The custom of burying the dead existed as early as the Jomon period. In addition, the offering of pottery and stone tools as grave goods suggests a belief in the afterlife.

This ancestor worship is thought to have become the basis for the worship of ancestral spirits in Shinto.

O)
Magic and rituals:

It is believed that people in the Jomon period used magic and rituals to communicate with the forces of nature and spirits, and to pray for good harvests and safety. Archaeological sites have unearthed places where rituals are thought to have taken place, as well as tools believed to have been used in magic.

P)
Yayoi period (around the 10th century BC to the middle of the 3rd century):

The Yayoi period was a time when the irrigated rice-growing culture spread throughout the Japanese archipelago and social change progressed. At the same time, significant changes occurred in the spiritual world of the people, and the form of belief that would later become the basis of Shintoism developed.

Q)
Kofun period (from about the middle of the 3rd century to the 7th century)

When the Yamato dynasty was established around the 3rd century, rituals began to be held at the earliest shrines, such as Munakata Taisha and Omiwa Shrine. It is believed that in the late 4th century, the rituals at these shrines became more active and the prototype of Shintoism was formed.

After the 5th century, the rituals of the Yamato dynasty spread further throughout the Japanese archipelago.

R)
Asuka period (592-710):

The Asuka period was a critical time in Japanese history, when the Ritsuryō state system was established, and Shinto also underwent a significant transformation. While inheriting the nature-worshipping form of belief from the Kofun period, new ritual systems, temples and priesthood systems were formed under the influence of ideas and political systems from the continent.

During the Asuka period, when exchanges with the Korean Peninsula and China became active, continental ideas such as Confucianism and Buddhism began to enter and influence Shinto. In particular, the influence of Confucianism was significant, and a way of thinking emerged that viewed Shinto from a moral perspective. In addition, syncretism with Buddhism progressed, and a unique form of belief called Shinbutsu syncretism was formed.

S) Kojiki:

The Kojiki is the oldest surviving historical record in Japan, completed in 712 by Taianmaro. It is said that Oyasamaro dictated it based on the memories of Hieda no Are, and Oasomi Uo wrote it down.

It tells the story from the Age of the Gods to Empress Suiko in Chinese, blending myth, legend, and history. As a book that systematically compiled Shinto myths and legends, the Kojiki played an essential role in shaping the Shinto worldview and values.

In particular, it played a role in justifying the theocratic ideology centred on Amaterasu Omikami and the legitimacy of the emperor.

T)
Nihon Shoki:

The Nihon Shoki is the oldest official history of Japan, completed in 720 by imperial decree of Emperor Gensho. It is said that Oyasamaro dictated it based on the memories of Hieda no Are, and that Oasomi Uo, Ono Takeyoshi and Ishigami Masashi wrote it down. It tells the story from the Age of the Gods to Empress Jitō in Chinese, and is more concerned with historical accuracy than the Kojiki.

Like the Kojiki, the Nihon Shoki is a book that systematically compiles Shinto myths and legends, and played an essential role in shaping the Shinto worldview and values. In particular, since it was compiled based on Chinese historical books, the influence of Chinese thought is decisive.

For example, the Kojiki was written with the assumption that it would be read in Japan, whereas the Nihon Shoki is thought to have been written to create an image of Japan from an overseas perspective.

U)
Heian period (794-1185):

The Heian period was a time in Japanese history when national culture flourished, and Shinto also underwent new transformations and diversification, while building on the foundations of the Asuka and Nara periods. While syncretism with Buddhism progressed and a unique form of belief called Shinto-Buddhist syncretism developed, distinct Shinto beliefs also gained popularity among the people, and Shinto became deeply ingrained in Japanese culture.

Shinto-Buddhist syncretism deepened mutual understanding between Shinto and Buddhism, having a significant influence on Japanese culture. This shows that Shinto is a flexible and diverse faith.

The Heian period was also a time of economic development, and people began to seek spiritual wealth.

V)
Kamakura, Muromachi and Nanboku-cho periods (1185 or 1192-1400):

From the Kamakura period to the Muromachi and Nanboku-cho periods, Japan entered a turbulent era. Various changes took place, including reform of the political system, socio-economic transformation and cultural prosperity. Shinto was no exception and underwent new transformations and diversification during this period.

In the Kamakura period, samurai, including Minamoto no Yoritomo, revered Shinto and devoted themselves to protecting shrines and building shrine buildings. At the same time, the influence of Buddhism grew, and the idea of Shinbutsu Shugo became popular.

The architectural styles and rituals of shrines and temples changed, and many paintings and literary works based on the idea of Shinbutsu Shugo were created.

W)
Sengoku period (1467 or 1493 to 1573):

The Sengoku period was a time when Shintoism was incorporated into the beliefs of the warlords and became even more diverse. The warlords believed in their ujigami (guardian deities) and ujigami (guardian deities of the land)* and prayed for victory in battle and peace in their territories.

Warlords in various regions established shrines as their tutelary deities and encouraged belief in war gods. Representative examples include Oda Nobunaga's veneration of Atsuta Shrine and Toyotomi Hideyoshi's construction of Toyokuni Shrine.

People in the Sengoku period expressed gratitude to the gods and made wishes through shrine visits, offerings, and rituals, such as Kagura, as part of their daily lives. Ethics and morality based on Shintoism were also valued.

As a result, Shinto rituals became popular throughout Japan, helping to revitalise local communities. The Sengoku period can be seen as a time when Shintoism developed in various forms, providing spiritual support to people in turbulent times.

It was also during this period that Shinto martial arts such as Kendo and Kyudo developed.

X)
Edo period (1603-1868):

With the establishment of the Edo shogunate and the end of the age of war, the shrine administration was also reorganised. In particular, the following measures were implemented.

Securing shrine lands and establishing the Red Seal Land and the Black Seal Land:

The shrine land of each shrine at that time was secured, and those who received a red seal letter from the shogun were given red seal land, and those who received a black seal letter from the feudal lord were given black seal land, and the shrine's right to profit was recognised. However, the land became the property of the shogunate.

Y)
Spreading the faith among the ordinary people:

In the Edo period, public order was restored and the transportation network improved, allowing Shintoism to spread even further among ordinary people. People formed associations called ko, and each member saved a small amount of money each year. Using this collective investment, a representative was chosen by lottery to visit the shrine and return with a talisman for all the members. This practice of proxy ko became popular.

In particular, the Ise-ko, whose purpose was to visit the Ise Grand Shrine, the Fuji-ko, the Konpira-ko, the Inari-ko, and the Akiba-ko, whose purpose was to visit the Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha, and other sects were widely spread throughout the country.

Z)
Confucian Shinto:

During the Edo period, Buddhism was given the status of a state religion under the temple registration system, but overall, it stagnated ideologically. In the intellectual world, Confucianism was considered vital because it was an effective way of thinking to support the feudal domain system and preached human ethics that were compatible with the secularism of the Edo period.

Some Confucians believed that Shinto was also a philosophy based on reason. They believed that the gods of Shinto were the embodiment of reason and that Shinto rituals were based on reason. This is the philosophy known as Confucian Shinto.

AA)
Meiji period (1868-1912):

The Meiji Restoration was one of the great turning points in Japanese history. Not only the political system, but also society and culture underwent significant changes.

The Meiji government established a state Shinto system, positioning Shinto as the state's official religion. Shrines became the religious institutions of the state, and a Shinto system with the emperor at the top was established.

However, after World War II, the state Shinto system was dismantled by the GHQ.

BB)
When the Meiji Restoration began with the restoration of Imperial rule in 1868 (Keio 4/Meiji 1), Shinto was positioned as the central presence of the state. The government revived the Jingikan and began to implement Shinto rituals and education actively.

In 1871 (Meiji 4), the Shinbutsu Bunri Rei (Shinbutsu Bunri Rei) was enacted, strictly separating Buddhism and Shinto. This law confiscated temple land and property, forcing monks to return to secular life.

Shrines where Shinto and Buddhism had been mixed were also reorganised and consolidated.

CC)
After World War II:

GHQ considered State Shinto to be the root of militarism and ordered its dismantling. In December 1945, the "Shinto Directive" was issued, severing the relationship between Shinto and the state. Shrines lost their status as national institutions and were reorganised as religious corporations.

Shrines were repositioned as private organisations with religious characteristics, and the emperor's status was changed from a sacred being called a "living god" to a human and symbolic emperor with no political authority.

However, Shinto is still one of the major religions in modern Japan and is believed by many people.

In this way, Shinto has undergone significant changes over the years. It can be said that the history of Shinto has always been closely tied to Japanese culture, influenced by the emperor, aristocrats, samurai, and scholars.

DD)
Differences between Shinto and Buddhism:

Shinto and Buddhism have supported the Japanese spirit since ancient times, and both have rich histories and cultures, closely tied to people's lives. In fact, however, there are significant differences in their essence.

EE)
Is Shinto not a "religion"? :

Shinto is not commonly referred to as a "religion". This is because Shinto has no clear doctrine, no scriptures, and no founder.

Shinto is a belief system that has developed spontaneously over a long history, centred on reverence for nature and ancestor worship. Therefore, there is no clear definition of "what to believe".

On the other hand, Buddhism is a religion founded by Shakyamuni and has clear teachings based on scriptures.

FF)
Differences in worldview:

Shinto deifies and worships everything that exists in the universe, including nature, human beings and living things. Buddhism, on the other hand, aims to achieve "enlightenment" and a state of peace where the mind is free from confusion.

GG)
Differences in thinking about life and after death:

Shinto has no concept of reincarnation. It is believed that after death, people travel to the Land of the Dead, also known as Yomi-no-Kuni, where they meet their ancestors.

On the other hand, Buddhism believes in reincarnation and aims to reach an ideal state called Nirvana by attaining enlightenment and being liberated from the cycle of reincarnation.

HH)
Differences in how we perceive life:

Shintoism is a belief system that values the present moment of life. It is considered essential to value life in this world and to live a fulfilled life in harmony with nature.

Buddhism, on the other hand, is a religion that emphasises the afterlife. Buddhism begins with the fundamental teaching that "life is suffering".

Based on the three truths of impermanence, non-self, and non-suffering, Buddhism believes that all suffering, such as old age, sickness, death, and worries in human relationships, is inevitable. Buddhism also clarifies the cause of suffering and shows concrete ways to be liberated from it.

II)
Relationship between Shintoism and the Emperor:

Shintoism and the Emperor have had a deep relationship since ancient times. The Emperor is regarded as a direct descendant of the Shinto gods, especially Amaterasu Omikami, and is respected as a symbol of the nation and a sacred being. At the same time, the emperor also plays the role of Shinto priest, enshrining all the gods in the three palace shrines. "Imperial Shinto is centred on the palace rituals that the emperor has performed since ancient times.

The modern emperor has no political power and serves as a symbol of tradition. However, even today, the emperor's vital role is to perform "palace rituals" to pray for the nation's peace and prosperity.

JJ)
The role of shrines in Shinto:

Shrines are places dedicated to the gods of Shinto, a unique Japanese religion, and there are more than 100,000 shrines nationwide, making them an integral part of people's lives.

Shrines are generally considered to be the homes of the gods and serve as places of worship. Many people express their daily feelings of gratitude and pray for the safety of their families, good health and success in exams, making them a place of spiritual refuge for people.

Another characteristic of shrines is that each shrine enshrines a variety of gods. Some shrines worship not only the gods living in Takamagahara (Amatsukami) and indigenous Gods (Kunitsukami), but also historical figures, animals, nature and even foreign Gods.

Shrines are the homes of various gods, but they also have multiple aspects, such as places of power and heritage of local culture, and they help form the identity of the Japanese people.

KK)
Frequently asked questions about Shinto:

Shinto is a belief system deeply rooted in Japanese traditions, culture, and people's lives. However, the origins of Shinto are very ancient, and many aspects are still unknown and being researched. Many people also still do not understand its nature and characteristics.

Here we answer frequently asked questions about Shinto.

LL)
Isn't it a religion? :

Shinto is considered to be outside the framework of general religions. Shinto is a belief system that respects and gives thanks to nature, ancestors and the gods that exist in everyday life.

Shinto has no single god, doctrine or organised church system. It can be said that it is a belief system that has developed naturally over a long history, based on reverence for nature and ancestors.

MM)
What are the main events? :

Shinto has various festivals and events throughout the year. Many festivals are held at the change of seasons, such as the first shrine visit of the New Year, Setsubun, Hinamatsuri (Girls' Festival), Children's Day (Tango no Sekku) and Summer Purification. In addition, unique festivals and events may be held depending on the region and shrine.

NN)
What is a local ujigami? :

In Japan, a local ujigami is a Shinto god worshipped by people living in the same region, such as a village. People who live around the same ujigami and believe in that god are called ujiko (parishioners).

Ujigami's belief has played an essential role in the spiritual culture of the Japanese people. Ujigami faith has fostered a sense of community among local people and has been the basis for cultivating a spirit of mutual help.

OO)
What is a Tsukumogami? :

Tsukumogami are tools or objects that have acquired spiritual power over time and become gods. This reflects the Shinto belief that gods exist in nature and all things.

PP)
Are Tsukumogami Yokai? :

Since ancient times, many Tsukumogami have been referred to as Yokai, beings that cause strange phenomena or threaten people. Various tsukumogami are depicted in scrolls such as Hyakki Yakou.

Tsukumogami are interesting beings that straddle the line between yokai and ghosts. The belief in Tsukumogami may have originated from the Japanese people's desire to cherish antiques.

QQ)
How do you say Shinto in English?:

Shinto is pronounced the same in English as it is in Japanese, "Shinto". This is because Shinto itself is a culture unique to Japan and cannot be translated.

Incidentally, "shrine" in English is "shrine", but shrine itself does not refer to the shrine itself, but to "a place where a god is enshrined". So, the correct translation of "shrine" is "Shinto shrine".

RR)
Summary:

Shinto is a traditional belief system unique to Japan. Its origins go back to ancient times and are the foundation of Japanese spirituality. In general, the central idea of Shinto is to value reverence and gratitude for nature and harmony in all things.

Shinto has deep roots in Japanese history and culture. Shrines have played a central role in Japanese communities throughout the Country's long history.

Shinto rituals and annual events have also played a crucial role in expressing gratitude for the changing seasons and the blessings of nature, as well as at significant turning points in our lives. In this way, Shinto is a faith closely linked to the culture and daily lives of the Japanese people.

On the other hand, modern Japan is facing various social problems, such as a declining birthrate, an ageing population, the weakening of local communities, and environmental degradation. The spirit of harmony and coexistence with nature that Shintoism preaches provides essential clues to solving these problems.

From another perspective, Shintoism, which has been deeply rooted in people's hearts since before writing, can be said to be a rich world full of mysteries that remain unsolved. In recent years, with the development of archaeology, science, and technology, new discoveries have been made about the history and beliefs of Shinto.

Exploring Shintoism is also a journey to unravel the roots of the Japanese people and rediscover their identity as Japanese. Shintoism is a belief that has been passed down for a long time without being recorded in writing, making it a fascinating subject of study even today.

By deepening your understanding of Shintoism, you will enjoy visiting places that have attracted believers for centuries, such as shrines in your area. We encourage you to start by visiting the shrine closest to your home.

What is Shinto? A simple explanation of its teachings, history, differences with Buddhism, and why it is not considered a religion

https://spaceshipearth.jp/shinto/

What are the 8 million gods? Is this a uniquely Japanese way of thinking, and what are the reactions overseas?

https://rekishinoeki.org/all-things-have-a-spirit/

It all started with the Japanese!? The hidden shocking history is so crazy [Kunizukuri WEEK Guest: Onagi Yoshiyuki Urban Legend]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1d819JT26WA

Add info)

I want to explain Shinto, so I want to say that the concept of eight million gods is unique to Japan"

https://nativecamp.net/heync/question/36544

Answer:
・Eight million gods
・Myriad of Gods
・Countless deities
The concept of Eight Million Gods is unique to Japan.

Eight million gods is an expression that refers to the number of gods in Japanese Shintoism, and is translated as "eight million gods." It shows the unique Shinto worldview in which Japanese people find countless gods in nature and human life. It does not mean that the specific number of gods is exactly eight million, but rather that there are many gods. This phrase can be used when discussing Japanese culture, religion, and traditions, as well as explaining Shinto teachings and Japanese nature worship. It is also used to express the mysticism and profundity of Japan.

Ex)
The concept of a myriad of gods is unique to Japan.

The concept of 'countless deities' is unique to Japan.

Myriad of Gods and Countless deities are both expressions that refer to a large number of gods, but there is a subtle difference in nuance. Myriad of Gods has a poetic feel and is often used in literary contexts and mythology. Countless deities, on the other hand, is more general and is used to indicate a large number of gods without specifying a specific number. This expression is often seen in religious discussions and academic contexts.

Pope Francis: Death of a Pope or Death of a Criminal

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_GoQv_RnHUk&t=811s