Investigating the Rise and Fall of the Shinto Cult in Japan

Japan is a mysterious and enthralling country, with a rich and colorful history. From the ancient days of the Shinto cult to modern day, Japan has developed greatly through its many eras. One of the most fascinating aspects of the country’s history is its long running relationship with Shinto. Shinto, being Japan’s native religion, is one of the oldest surviving religious philosophies in existence. It is steeped in mystery, as well as a deep connection with the natural spirits, and remains an integral part of today’s society. In this article, we’ll explore the history of Shinto in Japan, investigating what led to its rise and eventual demise.

In the early days of Japan, it was believed that all living things had a spirit. These spirits, or kami, were the spirits of the land and its inhabitants. People believed that kami had the power to protect, guide and heal people in times of need. Therefore, it was thought to be wise to appease them with a variety of offerings and rituals. This idea formed the basis of what is now known as the Shinto religion.

Shinto began to gain more and more importance as a religion in Japan after the middle of the 7th century. A large part of this was due to the introduction of Buddhism from China during the same period. As Buddhism rapidly spread throughout the country, Shinto began to be seen as a viable option for spiritual guidance, and people began to turn to it to answer their questions and appease their spirits. During the Edo period (1603-1867), Shinto saw its peak popularity. It was during this time that Shinto saw the most worship, and its festivals, ceremonies and rituals were adopted en masse by the population.

The fall of the Shinto cult didn’t come until after the Meiji Period (1868-1912). During this time, Japan underwent a period of great upheaval, as the country modernized and adapted to the changing times. This meant that the traditional beliefs of Shinto were seen as dated and not relevant to the new way of life, and were subsequently abandoned. As a result, Shinto worshippers were left without a spiritual source, and as the years passed it became gradually less and less popular, until it was almost forgotten in today’s Japan.

In spite of this, Shinto still remains an important part of Japan’s culture and spiritual beliefs. It is seen as a symbol of the nation’s heritage, and is still a vital part of the people’s identity. Though it may not be as prominent as it once was, its presence is still tangible in the culture as a whole, and with its many rituals and ceremonies, remains an important part of Japan’s religious practices.
Albert Dera @ Unsplash

The rise and fall of Shinto in Japan is a fascinating and complex story. Though long gone in many respects, its presence is still felt through the country and its people, and its legacy lives on. As Japan continues to progress, the long lasting mark of the Shinto cult will surely remain forever.
Steven Diaz @ Unsplash