Japan’s Official Religion SHINTOISM The Way of the Gods Japan’s Official Religion

Shinto: The Basics Indigenous nature-focused religion Incorporates a number of Japanese myths Early Shintoism was without name, text or dogma Polytheistic Has become highly nationalistic

Shintoism Chinese transliteration of a phrase created in the late 6th century CE Corresponding term “kami-no-michi” is translated as: “The Way of the Gods” Kami—essential to Shinto faith. Describes something possessing a power that an individual does not. Can be something physical, animate & familiar or spiritual or inanimate.

2 Important Dates 1868: Beginning in the last half of the 19th century, Shintoism became formally separated from Buddhist (Zen) practices. It served as a vehicle for Japanese Nationalism; strongly encouraging the use of mythological elements to venerate the emperor, the state, & eventually the aggressive military policy.

EMPEROR is a god? The Yamato Clan claimed to descend from the Sun Goddess Amaratsu Hence“Land of the Rising Sun” Until 1945, Emperor was worshipped as a god. 1000 years one dynasty

2 Important Dates After 1945: Shinto formally disclaimed direct ties to the state Because of Allied occupation, public funds to maintain shrines was forbidden In 1946 Emperor Hirohito renounced his claim to divinity

EMPEROR AKIHITO TODAY THE EMPEROR OF JAPAN HOLDS ONLY A SYMBOLIC POSITION OF POWER – A FIGUREHEAD.

Shintoism: not your Grandad’s religion A founder Written Scriptures Exclusionary patterns of worship Rigid dogma about the nature or form of that which is worshipped Strict formal doctrines or bodies of religious law

SHINTO SHRINES

Japan Borrowed and Adapted from Chinese BUDDHISM Cultural Diffusion - and Chinese Buddhist traditions were blended with Daoist ideas.

Japan Borrowed & Adapted from ZEN BUDDHISM

Shinto Core Beliefs The Affirmation of … Family and tradition Reverence toward nature Physical cleanliness Matsuri or festivals held in honor of one or more kami

Shintoism in Japanese Culture

An interior of a Kabuki theater.

Bunraku Puppets

Chanoyu : Tea Ceremony

The Art of Japanese Paper Folding Origami : The Art of Japanese Paper Folding

Calligraphy

Haiku : 17-syllable poem Matsuo Basho, Master of Haiku Spring departs. Birds cry Fishes' eyes are filled with tears. Matsuo Basho, Master of Haiku

Ikebana : The Art of Japanese Flower Arranging Tallest  Heaven Middle  Man Smallest  Earth

Bonzai : A Unique Method of Meditation

Japanese Garden for Meditation

Japanese Zen Garden

Japanese Sand Garden