Why So Many Japanese Find It Hard to Explain Our Faith — Shinto
Our Kami is somewhat different from the gods of other religions
People often ask me about the Japanese view of religions. It is certainly unique, and I understand why it piques the interest of many non-Japanese, although we Japanese grow up without ever finding it strange.
Of the two most common religions in Japan, Buddhism (仏教) is likely easier to understand. It is a major religion practised by 7% of the world’s population, primarily in Asia.
On the other hand, Shinto (神道) is a uniquely Japanese religion, so foreigners have no reason to be naturally well-versed in it. Yet anyone with even a passing interest in Japan — indeed, even those without — will surely have seen that striking Torii gate shown in the photo above (there’s even an emoji for it ⛩). Also, many travellers to Japan will have visited a Shinto shrine or two, as they are literally everywhere.
Still, few can confidently answer the question: What exactly is Shinto?
Funnily enough, even Japanese people often struggle to answer questions about it. While it’s true some simply lack deep knowledge of the faith, even those well-informed can find themselves at a loss when asked to explain it. Why on earth is that?
This article shares three reasons why Shinto can be hard for many people to explain. Although we may digress slightly along the way, by the end of this piece, you should have grasped the fundamental aspects of this religion. I shall also address the common question of whether foreigners are welcome to visit shrines.
Please note that, as with any religion, there are various interpretations, and not all Japanese people agree with the following explanation.
Also, as this single article cannot fully cover Shinto, I plan to publish several more articles on the subject, all seen from different angles. If interested, please subscribe to my newsletter. As a Japanese writer, I will explain this complex and often misunderstood religion to the best of my ability, consulting reliable people and books.
Shinto: Ethnic religion for the Japanese
First, religions can broadly be divided into two types: world religions and ethnic religions.
World religions, such as Christianity, Islam, and Buddhism, are practised across various countries and encompass ‘all humanity’. When people speak of religion in general terms, these are often the faiths that spring to mind.