Exploring Shinto


Book Description

""Shinto" is explored in a wide and illuminating perspective by an international team of scholars, providing a guide to students and general readers through many aspects, both today and in its history"--




Shinto


Book Description




Unlocking Shinto: A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding Japan's Indigenous Religion


Book Description

Embark on a journey through the heart of Japan's ancient soul with "Unlocking Shinto: A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding Japan's Indigenous Religion." Delve into the rich tapestry of Shinto, a vibrant belief system deeply interwoven with the cultural fabric of Japan. From its enigmatic origins to its modern-day manifestations, this book illuminates every facet of Shinto with clarity and depth. Discover the mystical realm of kami, the sacred spirits of nature, and explore the profound rituals and ceremonies that define Shinto practice. Unravel the intricate mythology of Japan's pantheon of deities and delve into the ethical principles that underpin Shinto philosophy. From the tranquil beauty of Shinto shrines nestled amidst lush forests to the bustling energy of vibrant matsuri festivals, "Unlocking Shinto" guides readers through the spiritual landscapes of Japan with insight and reverence. Explore the historical evolution of Shinto, its enduring influence on Japanese society, and its intriguing presence beyond Japan's shores. As you journey through the pages of this book, you'll gain a deep understanding of Shinto's significance in the modern world and its potential to inspire and enrich lives globally. Whether you're a seasoned scholar of Japanese culture or a curious traveler seeking to unlock the secrets of Japan's spiritual heritage, "Unlocking Shinto" is your essential companion to the soul of Japan.




Exploring The Wonders Of Japan


Book Description

"Exploring the Wonders of Japan" is a captivating journey through the rich tapestry of Japan's cultural heritage, natural beauty, and modern allure. From the iconic Mount Fuji to the serene gardens of Kyoto, this book offers a comprehensive exploration of Japan's diverse landscapes and traditions. Readers will be immersed in the vibrant cities, ancient temples, and enchanting festivals that define Japan's unique charm. With stunning photography and insightful commentary, this book is a must-have for anyone seeking to discover the captivating wonders of Japan.




Exploring Kyoto


Book Description

New edition of the acclaimed guidebook to Japan's most popular tourist destination.




A New History of Shinto


Book Description

This accessible guide to the development of Japan’s indigenous religion from ancient times to the present day offers an illuminating introduction to the myths, sites and rituals of kami worship, and their role in Shinto’s enduring religious identity. Offers a unique new approach to Shinto history that combines critical analysis with original research Examines key evolutionary moments in the long history of Shinto, including the Meiji Revolution of 1868, and provides the first critical history in English or Japanese of the Hie shrine, one of the most important in all Japan Traces the development of various shrines, myths, and rituals through history as uniquely diverse phenomena, exploring how and when they merged into the modern notion of Shinto that exists in Japan today Challenges the historic stereotype of Shinto as the unchanging, all-defining core of Japanese culture




Shinto


Book Description

In Japan, two religions predominate--Buddhism and Shintoism--and the Japanese people see no contradiction in practicing both: worshipping Buddha even as they revere the kami, the divine beings that populate the country and define the indigenous faith of Shintoism. In Shintoism and the Religions of Japan, C. Scott Littleton illuminates this unusual spiritual pluralism and shows how it has fertilized a vast and varied religious landscape. Littleton describes the origins and development of Shinto (or Kami no Michi, "Way of the Gods"), the introduction of Buddhism a millennium and a half ago, the rise of various sects of Buddhism (some indigenous to Japan), and the role of the imperial court and the shogunate in the nation's religious life. Here too is a clear and succinct summary of Shintoism's teeming pantheon of spiritual figures, the holy writings of Shintoism, and the islands' landscape of holy sanctuaries. Littleton explains how Buddhism has been reinterpreted in light of Japan's indigenous traditions (some monumental statues of the Buddha are worshipped as manifestations of kami), and describes the "new religions" that flourished during the Meiji period of the late nineteenth century, after Japan once again opened up to the outside world. Writing with grace and clarity, he captures the essential features of Japanese religious life, including the countless local festivals and rituals, the importance of harmony and enlightenment, and concepts of death and salvation. Lavishly illustrated with some thirty color photographs, sprinkled with boxed features that focus on fascinating issues, this volume offers a marvelous tour of Japan's distinctive spiritual experience.




Japan's Holy War


Book Description

Japan’s Holy War reveals how a radical religious ideology drove the Japanese to imperial expansion and global war. Bringing to light a wealth of new information, Walter A. Skya demonstrates that whatever other motives the Japanese had for waging war in Asia and the Pacific, for many the war was the fulfillment of a religious mandate. In the early twentieth century, a fervent nationalism developed within State Shintō. This ultranationalism gained widespread military and public support and led to rampant terrorism; between 1921 and 1936 three serving and two former prime ministers were assassinated. Shintō ultranationalist societies fomented a discourse calling for the abolition of parliamentary government and unlimited Japanese expansion. Skya documents a transformation in the ideology of State Shintō in the late nineteenth century and the early twentieth. He shows that within the religion, support for the German-inspired theory of constitutional monarchy that had underpinned the Meiji Constitution gave way to a theory of absolute monarchy advocated by the constitutional scholar Hozumi Yatsuka in the late 1890s. That, in turn, was superseded by a totalitarian ideology centered on the emperor: an ideology advanced by the political theorists Uesugi Shinkichi and Kakehi Katsuhiko in the 1910s and 1920s. Examining the connections between various forms of Shintō nationalism and the state, Skya demonstrates that where the Meiji oligarchs had constructed a quasi-religious, quasi-secular state, Hozumi Yatsuka desired a traditional theocratic state. Uesugi Shinkichi and Kakehi Katsuhiko went further, encouraging radical, militant forms of extreme religious nationalism. Skya suggests that the creeping democracy and secularization of Japan’s political order in the early twentieth century were the principal causes of the terrorism of the 1930s, which ultimately led to a holy war against Western civilization.




Shinto


Book Description

Conveying the impressive range and beauty of art associated with the tradition of kami veneration in Japan, 'Shinto: Discovery of the Divine in Japanese Art' presents works in various media--calligraphy, painting, sculpture, costume, and decorative arts--assembled from religious institutions and museums in Japan, and from collections in the United States. Kami veneration, a practice often referred to as Shinto in modern sources, is unique to Japan, although a number of its components stem from court and religious rituals in neighboring countries. 'Shinto' accompanies an exhibition at the Cleveland Museum of Art, presented with the special cooperation of the Nara National Museum in Japan, and is written by top scholars from the United States and Japan. It is the first catalogue in any language to bring together significant works from both U.S. and Japanese collections related to kami veneration, documenting these rare and fragile works.




Shinto: The Way of the Gods


Book Description

"Shinto: The Way of the Gods - The Ancient Religion of Japan and Its Influence on Society" is a comprehensive examination of the Shinto religion and its significance in Japanese society. Shinto, which literally means "Way of the Gods," is one of the oldest religions in the world and has a profound influence on Japanese culture, history, and identity. In this book, we explore the origins of Shintoism and the fundamental principles of this religion. We take a look at the various types of Shinto shrines and their significance as places of worship and purification. Furthermore, we examine the diverse rituals and ceremonies practiced in Shinto and how they shape the spiritual lives of people in Japan. Another important topic is the connection between Shinto and nature. In Shintoism, it is believed that nature is inhabited by spirits or gods, and this concept has a strong influence on the understanding and treatment of the environment in Japan. We also consider the connection between Shinto and Japanese mythology, as many of the gods and goddesses of Shinto play a role in ancient Japanese myths and legends. An additional aspect is the importance of Shinto in family life. Family rituals and ancestor veneration are integral parts of Shinto beliefs and have a significant impact on family relationships in Japan. Furthermore, we shed light on the influence of Shinto on Japanese art. Whether it is painting, architecture, theater, or music, Shintoism has greatly shaped the artistic expressions of Japan. Additionally, we examine the political history of Japan and the influence of Shinto on the country's development. Particularly during the imperial era, Shintoism played a significant role as an instrument of state ideology and as a justification for imperialistic aspirations. Throughout the book, we also consider the role of Shinto in modern society. How has the faith changed over time, and how is it practiced in contemporary times? We take a look at the influence of Shinto on various aspects of modern life, such as education, work ethics, and social norms. A fascinating topic is also the presence of Shinto in popular culture. Films, anime, and manga often incorporate elements of Shinto, contributing to the spread and popularity of the religion. We examine some well-known examples and explore their impact on the international perception of Shinto. Tourism also plays a significant role in relation to Shinto. Many tourists from around the world visit Japan to experience the impressive Shinto shrines and participate in traditional ceremonies. We analyze the impact of tourism on Shinto sites and the challenges they face.