What Is Shinto Influence On Japanese Society

Words: 550
Pages: 3
Open Document
Shinto, meaning “Ways of the Gods” was a type of ruling that did not have a strict set of laws. Shintoism was based around the ideas of nature and spiritual aspects, such as Kami. Religion and philosophy, based on the ideas of Confucius, and the Buddhist and Shinto religions, profoundly influenced Japanese society by stabilizing and unifying the country, thereby making Japan stronger. This period lasted approximately from 552 to 1573. During the period of the Tang Dynasty, Japanese rulers saw how China was benefiting from unique religious and intellectual ways. In 604, Shotoku created Japan’s first constitution, called the Seventeen Article Constitution, which combined Confucian and Buddhist beliefs (Draggoo “Shotoku”). The Confucian model …show more content…
The Yamato priests and chiefs of the Shinto religion, which developed around 500 CE, considered themselves descendants of the Sun God, Amaterasu (Ellington). Rulers were able to gain legitimacy by relating themselves to a god. Therefore, regular citizens considered priests and other religious figures superior compared to themselves. The new rulers could not simply do whatever they wanted for the society. Laws under the Seventeen Article Constitution had to be based on good morals, and the rulers were expected to follow them. Shotoku directed the people to honor and respect the decisions that were being made for Japan because he felt that it was best for the stabilization of the nation. The citizens trusted their rulers, which made for a higher quality of life. For example, one person did not have the power to make laws, based on the Seventeen Article Constitution, laws had to be made in discussion with many (Strayer 397). People did not want just one person to have the power of making decisions, in case of irrational decisions that could negatively impact Japan and its further development. People were more likely to obey the laws in which they had a say; making a positive impact on the
Show More

Related Documents: What Is Shinto Influence On Japanese Society

Shinto Religion Essay

Shinto is an ancient Japanese religion that still remains as one of the main religions in Japan alongside Buddhism. It is an immanent religion but their morals and ethics are directly related to their deities, the Kami. Today I’m going to be talking about Kami, the supernatural powers and deities in Shinto. There is no one superior being that is worshiped in Shintoism but instead there are many spiritual beings called Kami that the believers of Shinto worship. Kami are spirits that intervene with…

Words 453 - Pages 2

Shinto: Shinto and Deliard Shinto Essay

Fortune 04/29/2013 Rel 2300 C. Deliard Shinto Shinto is a religion like no other. Yet it closely shares attributes and characteristics with other religions. Shinto is regarded as the religion indigenous to Japan and is thought to predate all reliable historical records. Literally translated the word 'Shinto' is composed of two words from the original Chinese Shêntao: 'shin' meaning gods or spirits and 'to' meaning the philosophical way or path. Shinto is unique because in all actuality it’s…

Words 5058 - Pages 21

Japan and China Essay

which the books and websites were written, and it is to this that I now turn Two groups that I will discuss about Japanese immigrants and Chinese immigrants and how their experiences differ. From the 1776s until now, the Japanese immigrants and Chinese immigrants share many similar as well as different experiences. Both Asia groups are force to become Americanized. The Japanese and Chinese immigration groups dealt with many hardships such as housing, education, assimilation, treatment, and work…

Words 4135 - Pages 17

Essay on Japan Template

adopted a lot from old civilizations; but however, they just copied their different systems to make their own civilization better. Japan understood the importance of borrowing from China but Japanese never believed that they needed Chinese in order to create their identity on the world’s map. China’s influence on Japan, which was voluntary throughout the history, started decreasing, especially after 1000 CE. After this time, Japan started coming up with its new culture; it continued to build up on…

Words 1301 - Pages 6

ONE RELIGION PER PAGE Essay

ONE RELIGION PER PAGE ON ROUGHDRAFT There are many religions in the world; they affect our life in many unique ways. It is important to understand and learn each particular religion because it helps us understand the way of life for others. Not to mention it broadens our horizon of knowledge and can prepare us to know how to interact with different culture groups. Christianity developed out of Judaism in the 1st century C.E. It is founded on the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of…

Words 3286 - Pages 14

The World Is Exceedingly Interconnected

from the nearest city. Road to where? Who is benefiting the most from globalization? US is losing, while others are gaining National Sovereignty and Cultural Identity Critics of globalization argue: Loss of National Identity (undue influence of WTO, Worldbank, IMF) Imposing Western values as “universal” (cultural imperialism) Supporters of globalization argue: Interaction across boundaries leads to the mixing of cultures in particular places and practice Is leading to greater appreciation…

Words 4717 - Pages 19

International Marketing Ethics and Csr Case Study Essay

This traditional and unique Shinto-based culture of Japan places an emphasis on the individual’s responsibility to society at large, and less emphasis on material goods (Erffmeyer, 1999). The research conducted by Erffmeyer (1999) continues by reiterating the fact that the modern Japanese consumer will emphasize social responsibility in their personal consumption activities. This research suggests that when approaching the Japanese market, the regular packaging, and advertising…

Words 2168 - Pages 9

POPULAR RELIGION IN CHANGING JAPAN Notes Past Midterm Essay

questions about how we conceptualize the dead Where are the dead In heaven, reincarnated, feces of worms, just gone, in dirt, hell Our view impacts how we interact with the dead Does dead matter to us? Yes, memories. Japanese thought Christians are immoral because they didn’t venerate the dead. What do I want to happen at my funeral? I don’t want people to mourn as much as I want people to celebrate my life Good food, music I want my family and friends How do my life goals fit with that? Dentist – good deeds…

Words 2833 - Pages 12

Negotiation and Culture: Case Study Essay

Culture and Negotiations Why do Japanese negotiators behave in the manner they do? How does culture affect negotiating behavior and outcomes? MASTER THESIS Author’s name: Patrycja J. Krause Student’s number: 258891 Academic advisor: Søren O. Hilligsøe Faculty of English Aarhus School of Business May 2006 I would like to thank my Mom, Barbara, for her understanding, encouragement and eternal support, as well as my advisor, Søren O. Hilligsøe, for his academic help, advice and faith in me keeping…

Words 24172 - Pages 97

Questions On Creole Language

background, political, and religion all effect dialect. Boundaries such as mountains effect dialogs of certain places. Food, objects from everyday activities, and rural life affect dialog. Ideograms Describe an idea. An example would be Chinese, Japanese, Sumerian, and Egyptian. They all have a phonetic component. Isolated Language A language that is unrelated to any other language. Therefore, is not attached to any other language family. Language Family, Branch, and Group Language…

Words 6414 - Pages 26