Ancient, native Japan religion Shintoism Ancient, native Japan religion

Shinto Ancient religion of Japan Began about 1000 BCE No founder Still practiced today by at least 5 million people

Beliefs Shinto means Beliefs … the way of the gods spiritual powers exist in the natural world spirits called kami live in natural places such as animals, plants, stones, mountains, rivers, people, and even the dead

Places of worship – called shrines Usually found in beautiful natural settings

Shinto Shrines About 80,000 shrines all over Japan Each shrine has a yearly festival in which people pay their respects to the kami

Shrines are marked by a special archway called torii. Separates the outside world from the sacred spaces inside.

Amaterasu’s shrine Most important kami – Amaterasu – the sun goddess – believed to be the ancestor to the emperors of Japan Her shrine is the most important shrine in Japan

Insari’s shrine Inari – the rice producer – also important because rice is such an important food in Japan Therefore, polytheistic or monotheistic?

Many Japanese practice both Shintoism and Buddhism Many Japanese practice both Shintoism and Buddhism. Beliefs are very compatible.

52% of the Japanese population is atheist    52% of the Japanese population is atheist. Of the remaining, 48% Shintoism

Words to know … Shintoism Torii

Shintoism