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

2. Geography of Japan Archipelago Volcanoes Mountainous Oceans
Chain of islands to far east of Asian continent
200 active volcanoes and 75-80% mountainous
Oceans but rivers are short, swift and fast moving (hydroelectric power)
Terraced fields to expand agriculture - farm lobby is strong
Little Arable Land
Lacks Natural Resources

3. Why Shintoism in Modern Japan?
Early Japanese lived isolated Clans Lived in Mountain Valleys
Each clan had its own kami
A kami is a nature deity or spirit
Creator Gods

4. 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

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

6. DIET (PARLIAMENT)
THE PRIME MINISTER IS CHOSEN FROM THE MAJORITY PARTY IN THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH.

7. SHINTO SHRINES

8. SHINTO WEDDING
ZEN BUDDHIST FUNERAL

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

10. Japan Borrowed and Adapted ZEN BUDDHISM

11. Shintoism is very open and therefore, can mix with other philosophies

12. Zen Rock Garden

13. Calligraphy at a Zen Temple

14. Zen Buddhism Buddhism began in northern India/Nepal Spread to China
“Chan Buddhism” mixed Daoism with Buddhism
In Japan, it became Zen

15. WHAT IS THE
SOUND OF
ONE HAND
CLAPPING?

16. SHINTO is the National Religion of Japan.
The Japanese do not adhere to one set of beliefs. They have also added Confucian and Buddhist practices.
Together, Shinto and Zen Buddhism reflect the Japanese reverence toward all things in Nature.

17. CHADO or SADO

18. HAIKU POETRY An old wooded pond. Suddenly a frog leaps out- Kersplash!
Then ripples.

19. IKEBANA – Flower Arranging

20. Japanese Gardening

21. BONZAI

22. SUMO

23. SAMURAI:
The Way of the Warrior