Shinto, or the 'way of the deities', is more than a religion in Japan: it's a backdrop woven into the nation's cultural fabric. This indigenous belief system venerates kami, deities who infuse natural elements as well as mythological and historical figures. Long a center of balance and identity for the Japanese people, this ancestral tradition continues to shape the facets of contemporary society. In this article, we explore the symbiotic relationship between Shinto and modernity, highlighting how this ancestral faith persists and is transformed in today's Japan.

The origins and foundations of Shinto

Definition and characteristics of Shinto

Shinto is a polytheistic religion practised exclusively in Japan. With no founding sacred texts or single founder, its roots plunge into the mist of time, nimbed in a cosmology where nature and man communicate through rituals and shrines dedicated to the kami.

The kami (deities)

The kami are spiritual entities representing aspects of nature, phenomena, ancestors and historical figures. This plurality bears witness to a pantheistic vision deeply rooted in the Japanese psyche .

The importance of rituals and festivals

Shinto rituals, such as purification (misogi) or the festival (matsuri), play an essential role in strengthening the link between humans and kamis. They punctuate the year and punctuate collective and individual life.

Shinto in everyday Japanese life

Popular practices and beliefs

Japanese society is steeped in Shinto practices, which manifest themselves in everyday gestures such as visiting shrines to pray for luck or success, or hanging talismans (omamori) for protection.

Shinto celebrations

Holidays such as New Year (Shogatsu), or the children's festival (Kodomo no Hi) are key moments for reaffirming Shinto values and beliefs , and for renewing the sense of community.

Shinto shrines and their community roles

Shinto shrines are sacred spaces that serve as places for religious practice, but also as centers for community events, strengthening social bonds and cohesion.

Shinto's interaction with other religions in Japan

Shinto and Buddhism: the history of coexistence

Historically, Shinto and Buddhism have coexisted in Japan in a harmonious blend , with kami honored as Buddhist manifestations and vice versa .

Shinto has absorbed and adapted to elements of other religions, including Buddhism and Taoism, creating a unique religious syncretism in Japan.

Shinto in the face of new beliefs and secularization

Despite the changing religious landscape and the rise of secularization, Shinto continues to exist, often complementing a more modern or agnostic approach to spirituality.

Shinto and the Japanese state

State Shinto and nationalism (past and present)

Shinto was used as an instrument of the state, particularly during the Meiji era and up to the end of the Second World War to promote Japanese nationalism.

Separation of religion and state after the Second World War

After 1945, an official separation was instituted between Shinto and the state, marking a new era in which Shinto became primarily a private or community affair.

Shinto in contemporary politics

Although separated from the state, elements of the Shinto tradition remain present in contemporary politics, often linked to issues of identity and culture.

The challenges and evolution of Shinto

Adapting to modernization and globalization

In the face of modernization and globalization, Shinto is adapting, finding ways to maintain its relevance and appeal in these contemporary times .

Japanese youth and Shinto

Among Japanese youth, the link with Shinto is nuanced, oscillating between family tradition, cultural interest and ambivalence.

Shinto and contemporary ecological issues

Posing as the guardian of nature, Shinto could play a greater role in raising awareness of ecological issues thanks to its valorization of natural forces and kamis.

Shinto internationally

Expansion and cultural influence outside Japan

Shinto, though specific to Japan, has captured the imagination beyond its borders, thanks to its representation in popular culture and spiritual tourism.

Perception and practice of Shinto in the global context

On a global scale, Shinto is perceived through several prisms - exoticism, curiosity or personal spiritual quest - which enriches its influence and practice outside Japan.

Conclusion

Throughout this article, we have explored the various facets of Shinto and its indelible influence on Japanese society. Even in the age of technology and globalization, Shinto retains a remarkable place, adapting while preserving its essence. It is a bridge between the past, the present and, presumably, the future, reaffirming the enduring role of spirituality in an ever-changing society.

References

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