What is Shintoism of Japan

What is Shintoism? It’s the indigenous spirituality of the people of Japan (also it’s typically very local – like connected to a local deity or shrine). Shintoism connects the past to the present and deals with the spirit (which could be invisible beings) that dwells within all things (kami); also worshipped as part of the religion are shrines and certain rituals. Most Japanese practice Shintoism in some way as Shintoism is deeply rooted into their culture. Those watching Animes & Japanese shows would also have seen Shintoism in action, without knowing.

Name:	Shinto (way of the Gods), Shintoism of Japan
Birth, Age, Death:	Roots around 500 BC
Nationality:	Japan
Method/Religion started:	Shintoism of Japan
Holy book/teachings:	Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters) , O’dno Jing (Book of Salvation) & Nihon-gi or (Chronicles of Japan)
Followers:	Circa 4 Million
Lifestyle requirements:	Temple worship
Form of practice:	Rituals with strict conventions of protocol, order and control; Rites of Life,
Wiki (encyclopedia) link:	http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shinto

Shintoism of Japan reveres significant natural objects ranging from mountains, rivers, water, rocks, trees, to dead notables. Out of awe natural wonders make the Japanese believe that such wonders are created by a mighty, super-natural power, and so the ghost of a deity may dwell in such objects.

Moral purpose or myths of Shintoism

Japan and its people are chosen and special to the gods (kami)
the kami have many qualities in common with human beings
the kami are very different from God in the Western sense
the kami have a duty to look after humanity & thus humanity should look after the kami
purity and purification are important if humanity is to thrive
purification is a creative as well as a cleansing act
death is the ultimate impurity

Typical rituals (which help communicate with kami)

Purification – this takes place before the main ceremony
Adoration – bowing to the altar; Opening of the sanctuary
Presentation of food offerings (meat cannot be used as an offering)
Prayers (the form of prayers dates from the 10th century CE)
Music and dance
Offerings – these are symbolic and consist of twigs of a sacred tree bearing of white paper
Removal of offerings
Closing the sanctuary; Final adoration; Sermon (optional)
Ceremonial meal (this is often reduced to ceremonial sake drinking)

Hopefully this brief summary explains what is Shintoism of japan.