Author: Abu Ayesha
Shinto Religion (Part One)
Abstract
Although Gnostic (esoteric) religions, with their symbolism and texts filled with allegories and spiritual mysteries, are often complex and ambiguous, some are more obscure and enigmatic than others, as they lack any solid foundation. One of the most mysterious religions is Shintoism, the religion of the Japanese people. This is because Shinto has never had any reliable source, sacred scripture, or prophet. The core of this religion is formed by the traditions, customs, and indigenous practices of the Japanese people. These people were not originally from a single region; rather, they migrated to Japan from different places and merged their beliefs with this religion. For this reason, Shintoism is more blended and mixed compared to other faiths.
This research aims to introduce Shintoism, explain its emergence and growth among the Japanese people, describe their customs and practices within this faith, and clarify whom or what they worship and how their worship is performed.
Keywords: Shinto, Japan, Buddha, ancestral spirits, temples.
Introduction
Shintoism, as the native and ancient religion of Japan, is deeply rooted in the culture, history, and identity of its people. Unlike many world religions, Shinto does not possess a systematic theological framework, an official sacred text, or a specific founder. Instead, it is based on myths, traditions, and the ethnic spirit of the Japanese people, transmitted through cultural heritage and ancestral customs. While Shinto lacks a holy book in the true sense—such as the Qur’an for Muslims or the Bible for Christians—two ancient texts, Kojiki and Nihonji, are considered sacred by the Japanese as they contain accounts of Japan’s history and Shinto mythology.
“Shinto,” the name of Japan’s indigenous religion, was not initially a faith founded on theological principles and branches; rather, it later developed core foundations. This faith is primarily an expression of loyalty and attachment to specific places, practices, and national traditions. For the general people of Japan, love for the homeland begins as a heartfelt and emotional matter, and only afterwards becomes an issue of religion and faith. Their devotion to their homeland has led them to dedicate time and effort for its prosperity and progress in various fields.
Studies show that most Japanese people are not strictly bound to any one religion. They freely follow whichever religion they wish. Currently, three religions are widespread in Japan: Shintoism, Buddhism, and Christianity. Some even believe that Shintoism itself is a mixture of Buddhism and traditional customs of the people—a matter which will be explained in detail later.
Before the arrival of Buddhism in Japan in the 6th century CE, Shinto had already deeply influenced the culture, politics, and daily life of the Japanese people. Unlike many religions, Shinto is devoid of concepts such as original sin, hell and heaven, or binding legal codes. Instead, it emphasizes purity, respect for nature, and coexistence with the kami. In the Shinto worldview, kami are sacred spirits or divine powers of nature dwelling in mountains, rivers, trees, the sun, the wind, and even inanimate objects and ancestral spirits. Anything connected to them may also be considered a form of kami.
This study attempts to investigate Shintoism—the religion of the Japanese people—by consulting credible books, official encyclopedias, and works on comparative religions. In this article, attention is given to examining the term “Shinto,” its origins, and the historical development of this faith.
Japan and Its People: An Overview
Before discussing the main subject, it is useful to take a brief look at Japan and its people—what race they belong to, where they came from, and what beliefs and traditions they had and continue to have.
Japan is a country located at the far eastern edge of Asia. This ancient nation has a rich civilization whose history extends back more than 2,500 years. The Japanese are hardworking, patriotic, and diligent people who, through perseverance and determination, transformed their nation from poverty and backwardness to the heights of industry, technology, and wealth. According to researchers, the Japanese race is not pure, but rather the result of a mixture of different races:
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The early white race, who entered Japan during the Neolithic age through the migration of the Ainu people from around the Amur River.
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The yellow or Mongoloid race, who entered Japan around the 7th century CE from Korea or through the Korean Peninsula.
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The brown–black race, who originated from the Malay and Indonesian regions and reached Japan from the southern islands.
Over centuries, from the blending of these races, a unified people with a distinct language and new civilization emerged.
Animism, totemism, ancestor worship, and even fertility cults fulfilled the religious needs of the early Japanese. They believed that spirits existed everywhere—in the planets and stars, in plants and insects of the fields, in trees, animals, and humans. To them, countless gods hovered above their homes and its residents, dancing in the flame and light of lamps. They practiced divination by burning deer bones or turtle shells and reading the cracks that appeared. They feared the dead, worshiped them, and buried valuable objects in graves to appease them.[1]
Even today, most Japanese people do not strictly adhere to any religion, as Japan in its essence is not a religious society. People view religious rituals more as traditions, customs, and practices that should be performed, rather than as matters of deep spirituality and faith.[2]
Japan is a secular country, and religion plays little role in the political and social life of its people. Most follow religious practices only for ceremonies such as birth, marriage, and funerals, or keep a small altar at home for prayers. Interestingly, the life of the Japanese begins with Shinto and ends with Buddhism: for instance, when a Japanese child is born, the birth ceremony is held in a Shinto shrine, but upon death, the funeral is performed in a Buddhist temple. For this reason, the Japanese consider themselves both Shinto and Buddhist. Roughly half identify as Shinto adherents and half as Buddhists.[3]
Research indicates that around 160 million people in Japan identify with Shinto, while 96 million identify as Buddhists—even though the country’s total population is only 125 million. The reason for this discrepancy is that many people practice both Shinto and Buddhism simultaneously, and some even blend their beliefs with Christianity. A notable example is that weddings, festivals, and holidays are often celebrated in all three traditions: Shinto, Buddhist, and Christian.[4]
Continues…
Next Part
References:
[1] . Kojiki, the holy book of Shinto, translated by Dr. Ihsan Muqaddas, first edition, winter 1380 AH, pp. 11-12.
[2] . Al-Jashi, Ali Abdul Mohsen, Major World Cultures (29), published on the Al-Qatif Science website.
[3] . Where is Japan / Introduction to Japan, its history and geography, Bamboo Tourism Magazine, article published: February 15, 2025 AD.
[4] . Da’doush, Ahmed, The Shinto Religion… A Legendary Heritage Telling the Story of Japan from Its Origins to Its Surrender, article published on Al-Jazeera, article published: October 20, 2024 AD.
