Shintoists

Shintoists are adherents of Shinto, the indigenous religious and spiritual tradition of Japan. Shinto, meaning "the way of the gods" or "the way of the kami," centers on the worship of kami, which can be understood as spirits, deities, or essences that inhabit natural phenomena, objects, and ancestors. Shintoists believe that kami are present in all things, from mountains and rivers to trees and rocks, as well as in the spirits of deceased individuals who have achieved a revered status.

The practice of Shinto involves rituals and ceremonies performed at shrines, which are dedicated to specific kami. These rituals often include offerings, prayers, and purification rites. Shintoists do not typically adhere to a strict dogma or a set of commandments in the way some other religions do. Instead, their faith is often expressed through a deep respect for nature, a sense of communal harmony, and the observance of traditional customs and festivals.

Many Shintoists also participate in life-cycle rituals, such as traditional weddings and coming-of-age ceremonies. While Shinto has historically been intertwined with Japanese culture and national identity, its practitioners come from diverse backgrounds within Japan and abroad. The core of Shinto belief lies in living in harmony with the kami and the natural world, fostering purity, sincerity, and gratitude.