Shinto, meaning “way of the deities or spirits,” appeared in Japan before the sixth century C.E. When it was first introduced, Shinto was practiced in an organized clan that didn’t have a written language. Shinto gods, called “kami,” were recognized all throughout the natural world. For example, twisted or very tall trees, mountains, rivers, and rocks could be considered Shinto gods. Even human beings could be seen as kami. Early mythology tells of the Yamato clan (the leading clan of the sixth and seventh centuries). The Yamato clan later became the Imperial Family. The myths describe the emperor as a descendant of their protector Shinto god, Amaterasu. Great warriors and poets could also be thought of as Shinto gods because of their prowess or special abilities.The goal of Shinto rituals was to keep the harmony between nature, humans, and Shinto gods. Communal festivals were held during planting or harvesting times or important times in the history of the community.
Buddhism arose in India in sixth century B.C.E. It traveled through China and Korea, and got to Japan around the sixth century C.E. The type of Buddhism that gained popularity in Japan was Mahayana Buddhism.
Buddhism is an eightfold path of values that helps an individual gain release from suffering. The Buddha taught that, no matter how happy one is in life, all living things eventually grow old and die. Buddha also accepted the Indian idea of rebirth and karma, so he believed one would suffer forever if they didn't take steps to stop it. The Buddha taught that the only way to get released from all the suffering was to gain a new understanding of reality. He wanted people to believe that all things are linked together, and depend on each other to survive. The Buddha discouraged people from thinking of themselves as individuals.
A small elite was learning Chinese (Japan’s first written language) at the time Buddhism entered Japan, and some began to study and translate Chinese Buddhist texts. Some members of the clergy in Japan translate and recite traditional Chinese Buddhist texts today. Most Japanese people who started to follow Buddhism, however, enjoyed the Buddhist art or the seemingly magical qualities Buddhism held. Some were even attracted by the prospect of becoming closer to China through Buddhism, because China at that time was a very powerful and advanced society, and Buddhism originally came to Japan from China.
Confucianism entered Japan from Korea and China. Confucianism originated in China. It was created by Confucius, who lived from 551-479 B.C.E. Confucius' teachings were complied in a text called the Sayings of Confucius. Confucius emphasized the importance of filial piety, which means respect for your elders within your family. He also emphasized proper conduct, duty, loyalty, learning, and benevolence. Confucius believed stable families could be the basis for stable governments, which is why he emphasized filial piety so much.
During the Tokugawa period (1600-1868) Japan had just finished another period of political unrest. The new warrior family that took over, Tokugawa, saw the value of these religions. They used Confucianism, Buddhism and Shinto to try to create peace. The Tokugawa government even set up a Confucian school (the Shoheiko, which means “School of Prosperous Peace.” Each head of the feudal regions of Tokugawa (similar to lords owning pieces of an empire’s land) created schools similar to this in their own regions.
Several teachers during the Tokugawa era created their own teachings. They specifically created it for warriors. It is called bushido, or the way of the warrior. This brought together Buddhism's emphasis on self-restriction and discipline, Confucian values of filial piety and Shinto's nationalism. This new compact religion was spread throughout Japan by popular teachers at the time. One of them was named Baigan Ishida. His teachings, along with others, helped modernize Japan.
The last main religion in Japan is Christianity. Christianity was introduced to Japan in the 16th century. It didn't gain very many followers at all, and the Tokugawa family discouraged its spread through Japan. When Tokugawa fell, Japan opened up to the world and Protestant missionaries reintroduced Christianity. They built schools and hospitals and helped women and workers. Even with all of this, only one percent of the population in Japan practiced Christianity. Christianity wanted people to be allied to them exclusively, and not practice any other religions. Also, missionaries sometimes were disrespectful to Japanese people and culture, and that deterred Japanese people from practicing Christianity.
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Confucianism entered Japan from Korea and China. Confucianism originated in China. It was created by Confucius, who lived from 551-479 B.C.E. Confucius' teachings were complied in a text called the Sayings of Confucius. Confucius emphasized the importance of filial piety, which means respect for your elders within your family. He also emphasized proper conduct, duty, loyalty, learning, and benevolence. Confucius believed stable families could be the basis for stable governments, which is why he emphasized filial piety so much.
During the Tokugawa period (1600-1868) Japan had just finished another period of political unrest. The new warrior family that took over, Tokugawa, saw the value of these religions. They used Confucianism, Buddhism and Shinto to try to create peace. The Tokugawa government even set up a Confucian school (the Shoheiko, which means “School of Prosperous Peace.” Each head of the feudal regions of Tokugawa (similar to lords owning pieces of an empire’s land) created schools similar to this in their own regions.
Several teachers during the Tokugawa era created their own teachings. They specifically created it for warriors. It is called bushido, or the way of the warrior. This brought together Buddhism's emphasis on self-restriction and discipline, Confucian values of filial piety and Shinto's nationalism. This new compact religion was spread throughout Japan by popular teachers at the time. One of them was named Baigan Ishida. His teachings, along with others, helped modernize Japan.
The last main religion in Japan is Christianity. Christianity was introduced to Japan in the 16th century. It didn't gain very many followers at all, and the Tokugawa family discouraged its spread through Japan. When Tokugawa fell, Japan opened up to the world and Protestant missionaries reintroduced Christianity. They built schools and hospitals and helped women and workers. Even with all of this, only one percent of the population in Japan practiced Christianity. Christianity wanted people to be allied to them exclusively, and not practice any other religions. Also, missionaries sometimes were disrespectful to Japanese people and culture, and that deterred Japanese people from practicing Christianity.
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