Ancient Japanese Religions and their Impact

Many cultures have their own set of beliefs and deep-rooted religious practices. Japan is no exception, and its ancient religions have a profound influence on the culture and way of life even today. In this article we'll take a closer look at three of the most important and impactful religions in Japan's history: Shinto, Buddhism, and Confucianism and explore the influence they have had on Japanese culture over the years.

Shinto

Shinto is the indigenous religion of Japan. It's an incredibly ancient tradition, predating recorded history, and is rooted in nature worship in which kami (spirits) inhabit all places, from rocks to rivers. It's an animistic faith, believing in the spiritual energy of all natural things, and people were said to pray to them for inspiration and guidance. Shinto's primary goal is harmonizing humans with nature, and followers are typically extremely respectful of the environment and practice rituals such as purification and communion with nature to achieve this goal.

Shintoism is deeply embedded in traditional Japanese life, influencing all aspects of Japanese culture in some way. Its influence is especially prominent in the reverence shown towards elderly people, the practice of ancestor worship, and traditional Japanese architecture. Shinto also strongly shaped the way of life in feudal Japan, often being paired with Buddhism to form a dual religious belief system.

Buddhism

Buddhism was brought to Japan in the 6th century by Korean and Chinese monks, and in no time at all it had taken the country by storm. This religion emphasizes the teaching of the four Noble Truths – suffering, origin of suffering, conquer of suffering, and the Eightfold Path to liberation – and the concept of emptiness, believing that our attachments to material things and ideas created sufferings. Buddhism allowed people to look beyond their material world and encouraged inner reflection on one’s own actions.

Buddhism had a huge impact on many aspects of Japanese life, influencing everything from the writing system, to the art and architecture, to the development of the tea ceremony. It also influenced the way of life in feudal Japan, encouraging people to be more compassionate and tolerant of other people's beliefs, as well as fostering the spread of Zen Buddhism and the concept of bushido (the samurai code of honor).

Confucianism

Confucianism is considered a philosophy rather than a religion, however its influence on Japanese culture is undeniable. This philosophy was first introduced to Japan during the 5th and 6th century during the Asuka period, but it really took off during the 8th and 9th centuries when it was adopted by the Japanese court. This philosophy is based on the teachings of its founder, Confucius – filial piety, respect for elders, harmony with nature, and a strict code of ethics and morality – and focuses on making sure that members of society act with virtue and respect.
Phil Hauser @ Unsplash

Confucianism has had a great many impacts on Japan culture, from the education system (where it's still a major source for moral inspiration for young people) to the government, where it shaped the bureaucratic system and the idea that one should not rule by force alone. Its influence can also be seen in many of Japan's traditional art forms, such as calligraphy and Ikebana (flower arranging).

Ancient Japanese religions have had a tremendous impact on the culture of modern-day Japan, influencing everything from the way of life to the art and architecture. While each of them has its own unique set of beliefs, collectively they've helped to create a culture that is both reverent and respectful of its past, while looking to the future for inspiration and guidance.
Christoph Schmid @ Unsplash