What Role Did Shintoism Play In Japanese Culture

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Shintoism, for Westerners and many Easterner, is a strange word. Except for the people who study world religion, most people does not know what Shintoism is, or if they know, it is very vague. Just like Taoism is not very popular outside of Asia , Shintoism is not popular outside of Japan. Shintoism might not be popular, but it played and continue to plays an undeniable role regarding culture and history of Japan. Shintoism, with Buddhism, is the most popular religion as well as a life style in Japan and this religion is very unique. Shintoism has exerted a huge influence on Japan’s culture and custom in the past as well as a huge role in the history of this country. Now, Shintoism still play a huge role in Japanese modern culture, politics …show more content…

Easy Japanese clans each has their own Kami as a guardian of the clans. As time go on, around 500 B.C.E “When one clan took over another, its guardian Kami became the other clan’s Kami as well” (World Religion Shinto, page 42). In the sixth century, Shinto and Buddhism began a long and close relationship. People celebrating Shinto festivals as well as celebrating Buddhist holy days and they worship the deities of both religion. The large ground of Buddhist temple often contains smaller Shintoism shrine so it is convenient for people to worship both religions. There are many combinations and interaction between these two and, perhaps, now of the most famous one is Zen Buddhism and Shintoism. Zen Buddhism came to Japan in the 12th century, and Japanese found the echoes of Shinto in this religion. Both Shinto and Zen Buddhism both emphasized on simplicity and discipline, refinement and Buddha or Kami is in every single aspect of life. In the Shogun era, Shinto is the major religion, especially under the Tokugawa rule. “What came to be known as Tokugawa values and traditions permeated Japanese culture. They included reverence for the Kami for the blessing of nature, respect for parents and worship of ancestors, and loyalty to the government. Those core value continue to underline Japanese culture” (World religion Shinto, page 61) The daimyo and the samurai study art

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