1. Ancient, native Japan religion
Shintoism
Ancient, native Japan religion

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

3. 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

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

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

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

7. 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

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

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

10. 52% of the Japanese population is atheist
   52% of the Japanese population is atheist. Of the remaining, 48% Shintoism

11. Words to know …
Shintoism
Torii

12. Shintoism