Culture

[Soul of Japan] The Divine Age of Shinto

Published

4 years ago

November 2, 2019

JAPAN Forward

: Soul of Japan - Sunrise over Ise Jingu Shows Off Kami

: Central Kami of the Divine Age of Shinto

: Statue of Amaterasu Omikami

Many of Japan’s traditions and ideas are unfamiliar to those outside of Japan. Therefore, JAPAN Forward and Jinja Honcho have collaborated to bring readers an explanation of the key concepts of kami, matsuri, shrines, myths, and many other traditions and beliefs which form the core of Japanese culture.

The “Soul of Japan” series provides an introduction to Shinto and Ise Jingu, and in this case an introduction to the earliest texts of the stories of the origin of Japan.

Although Shinto lacks a doctrine, two early 8th century historical records, the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki, name certain individual kami of great personality and relate the tales of their various doings and achievements. These records are regarded as an essential part of the Shinto faith.

Another important text compiled in the early 10th century, the Engishiki, is in part a collection of codes concerning the proper form of Shinto rituals. Kami named in these codes are enshrined in jinja throughout Japan today.

The following is a brief introduction to the kami at the center of the stories introduced in the Kojiki and the Nihon Shoki.