History
Hearth The origin of Shintoism is not known, however, many of its practices date back to pre-agricultural Japan.
History Shintoism began its development in the 2nd or 3rd century, B.C.E, as the Yayoi people flourished on the Japanese island of Kyushu. The religion grew out of Yayoi beliefs in shamanism and agricultural ceremonies. As civilization continued to develop on the Japanese islands, a belief in spirits, or kami, influenced the islanders. Along with this, Chinese beliefs like Confucianism spread to Japan by the 5th century C.E., and influenced Shintoism in subsequent centuries. Shinto shrines were utilized by the imperial central government to obtain offerings. As central power weakened between the 10th and 13th centuries C.E., this practice became less prominent. When Buddhism established itself as an influential religion in 552 C.E., there was much intermixing between the two belief systems, forming “Buddhistic Shinto”. Although it remained popular until the Meiji Restoration in the 19th century, sects like Ise developed in response to Buddhism, claiming to be a form of "pure Japanese Shintoism," without outside influence. Those with political power utilized Neo-Confucianism, intermixed with traditional Shinto beliefs, to justify their role as the upper class. “Fukko Shinto”, or Reform Shinto began as the 17th century came to a close. Japan’s modern history, starting near the beginning of the 20th century (Meiji period), is characterized by a number of different Shinto sects. A system known as Kokka Shinto, or Modern State Shinto was practiced subsequent to the Meiji Revolution (or Restoration). This period of time was characterized by an increase in centralized government in Japan, resulting in a form of Shinto being declared as the state’s official religion. This contributed to intense feelings of nationalism during World War II.
Diffusion In general, Shintoism has not diffused outside of Japan on a wide scale. One of the only traceable examples of Shinto diffusion to other parts of the globe occurred in the late 19th century. At this time, relocation diffusion occurred, as Japanese immigrants arrived in the United States. This process brought some aspects of Shintoism to America, especially the state of Hawaii. Shinto influence is most visible in the cultural landscape of Hawaii, in the form of shrines and temples.
Conflict In general, the religion of Shintoism has not had considerable conflict. This is due to the level of agreement between religion and state within the country of Japan. Furthermore, Shinto beliefs do not emphasize conflict as a means of resolution.
History Shintoism began its development in the 2nd or 3rd century, B.C.E, as the Yayoi people flourished on the Japanese island of Kyushu. The religion grew out of Yayoi beliefs in shamanism and agricultural ceremonies. As civilization continued to develop on the Japanese islands, a belief in spirits, or kami, influenced the islanders. Along with this, Chinese beliefs like Confucianism spread to Japan by the 5th century C.E., and influenced Shintoism in subsequent centuries. Shinto shrines were utilized by the imperial central government to obtain offerings. As central power weakened between the 10th and 13th centuries C.E., this practice became less prominent. When Buddhism established itself as an influential religion in 552 C.E., there was much intermixing between the two belief systems, forming “Buddhistic Shinto”. Although it remained popular until the Meiji Restoration in the 19th century, sects like Ise developed in response to Buddhism, claiming to be a form of "pure Japanese Shintoism," without outside influence. Those with political power utilized Neo-Confucianism, intermixed with traditional Shinto beliefs, to justify their role as the upper class. “Fukko Shinto”, or Reform Shinto began as the 17th century came to a close. Japan’s modern history, starting near the beginning of the 20th century (Meiji period), is characterized by a number of different Shinto sects. A system known as Kokka Shinto, or Modern State Shinto was practiced subsequent to the Meiji Revolution (or Restoration). This period of time was characterized by an increase in centralized government in Japan, resulting in a form of Shinto being declared as the state’s official religion. This contributed to intense feelings of nationalism during World War II.
Diffusion In general, Shintoism has not diffused outside of Japan on a wide scale. One of the only traceable examples of Shinto diffusion to other parts of the globe occurred in the late 19th century. At this time, relocation diffusion occurred, as Japanese immigrants arrived in the United States. This process brought some aspects of Shintoism to America, especially the state of Hawaii. Shinto influence is most visible in the cultural landscape of Hawaii, in the form of shrines and temples.
Conflict In general, the religion of Shintoism has not had considerable conflict. This is due to the level of agreement between religion and state within the country of Japan. Furthermore, Shinto beliefs do not emphasize conflict as a means of resolution.