Frequently Asked Questions About Shinto

What does Shinto mean?

Literally, Shinto means [the] "Kami Way".

What is Shinto exactly?

Shinto is an animistic/shamanistic religion that originates from Japan - and has a tradition that has lasted for over 2,000 years, stretching back to the Jomon period. It has been influenced by Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism and cultural traditions of Japan.

Besides what Shinto is, it's more than just a religion. It's a way of life, a religion, and a culture unto itself - both its own independent thing and yet something codependent with Japan and its national and cultural identity.

What are "Kami"?

Often erroneously translated and referred to as 'gods' due to the use of "Kami-sama" in Japanese Christianity, the imprecise nature of Japanese-English translation among other things, the Kami are best described as a group of noble spirits, each with a defined domain, purpose and virtue. What separates them from being gods is the following things:

• They are not omniscient, they cannot read your mind.

• The rituals involving Kami do not resemble polytheist rituals. They more closely resemble the shaman aspects of Native American religions.

• They are not perfect, omnipotent and exist in the same plane as humans. They are a manifestation of life in a higher form, rather than creators or curators of the world as in Hellenistic or Romanic religions.

• They primarily abide in their shrines, from which they are respected, revered and offered to. They are not omnipresent. If you perform rituals at home, they must be summoned.

• Our clergy, Kannushi and Miko, are not like priests or monks of other religions. Instead they act directly as mediums, medicine men and summoners of the kami - and do not preside over services and generally do not require or have personal relationship with shrinegoers.

You can, of course, call them gods, but ultimately it's an incorrect translation when compared to Hindu gods or Pagan gods.

Does Shinto have scripture, ala Bible, Torah, Qu'ran type books?

No. Shinto is innately tied with Japanese history and thus is heavily referenced in books like the Kojiki, written in Classical Japanese and references the Kami and the history of Japan.

Did Shinto have to do with WWII/Pacific War?

Shinto was appropriated and made into State Shinto during the Meiji Restoration and before the surrender by Japan - but Shinto was and always will be a decentralized patchwork of shrines. There are some shrines, such as the Yasukuni Shrine, which have war criminals listed - but this is less an endorsement of their actions and more a normal last rites given to the dead.

What are the archways/gates above Shinto shrines?

These are Torii - and mark the beginning of a shrine/jinjya's territory and approach. They also are found on the grounds of Japanese Buddhist temples.

How is Shinto related to Buddhism?

The two are syncretic in Japan - capable of being followed alongside each other. Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples were once indistinguishable, as both kannushi and biku would staff a shrine. The Meiji Era brought an end to this, however.

Does Shinto worship the Emperor and ancestors?

Commonly families will worship ancestors in Japan - but this is a purely cultural derivation from Confucianism. The Emperor of Japan was never considered a Kami, but was tasked with certain rituals as well as being the representative for all of Japan among the kami. Since the Pacific War, besides some insensitive comments by Mori, an unpopular PM, this position has been minimized.

Do the dead become Kami?

Depends on who you ask. As for the author of this FAQ, he believes no, as he believes in the Buddhist concept of Samsara and rebirth, as do a majority of Japanese Shintoists.