TokyoTrio: Shintoism

Today I visited Meiji Shrine to learn more about Japanese Shintoism. I attended with ladies from an organization called College Woman’s Association of Japan, of which I‘ve recently joined. We took part in a purification ceremony, toured the museum and shrine buildings, and learned more about the history from the visiting researcher in residence at the shrine. Shintoism is ancient, indigenous to Japan, and deeply rooted in the spiritual culture. It’s not really accurate to use the word “religion” to describe since there is no doctrine, no holy book, no creed or any concept of religious conversion. Fundamentally, Shintoism believes that “kami”, or a “divine spirit” is present in everything and everywhere. Therefore, achievement of harmony with all things is of great value. Buddhism, Shintoism, and to a lesser extent Christianity influence the culture in Japan and many people practice components of each. Unlike in most of the west, there is overlap. For example, a person may have a Shinto celebration of a birth, a Christian style wedding, and a Buddhist funeral. Yet, as we learned today, when surveyed 63% of Japanese will claim “no religion”. My understanding of what explains this disconnect is that the prescriptive aspects inherent in a “religion” is not the purpose. In other words people are not seeking a set of beliefs by which to explain anything, but rather seek a way of life to live more harmoniously. That was my take away. We’ll certainly be back to Meiji Jingu and I’m certain today’s information will enrich my future visits!