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Religion In Shintoism

1611 Words7 Pages
Shintoism has a deep impact in the daily life of Japan. Shinto is a complex and compact religion that has devout and very spiritual followers. There are over 3 million followers of Shintoism, all mostly living in Japan (B.A. Robinson 2013, Shinto, an ancient Japanese religion). The art of Shintoism focuses on the natural beauties of the world, for example flowers and mountains are usually involved in most Shinto art. The architecture of Shinto is most recognized through the shrines. Shinto shrines are always made of wood, specifically Hinoki Cyprus wood that is indigenous to Japan (Mark Cartwright 2017, Shinto architecture) The shrines rarely ever use glue or nails and are crafted specially to be like puzzle pieces and fit together (Mark Cartwright 2017, Shinto architecture). Shinto culture focuses on the Kami, which is a spirit who is assigned to a specific follower. The Kami, guides the follower through life and shows them the path that is right for them, also the kami protects the follower from dangers and bad spirits (BBC 2009, Kami). The follower has the task of listening and following the Kami. Shintoism is an easily recognizable religion in the world through its art, architecture, and culture. Shinto art focuses mainly on depicting Kami in the beauty of nature and physical features. Like the literati school of art in China, Shinto painters, lived in the valleys and hills away from towns to seclude themselves with nature and their artwork (Minneapolis Institute of
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