Religion affects our values ​​and our attitude towards others and the universe; it can also allow us to trace the development history of different countries. As Japan is known for its distinct religious culture, shrines have become the first list of travelers looking to purchase omamori and make blessings. It is essential to know the history and origins of the ancient Japanese religion that has captivated millions. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essayAccording to Earhart (1997a), Shintoism is an indigenous religion originating in Japan. Shinto means "the way of God" and expresses the deep-rooted belief in the rarity of kami (deity), appreciation of nature as well as mythological deities. It emphasizes the sacred bond between Japan and the Japanese and is known as representing “the continuity of ancient customs” (Earhart, 2004, p. 31). Ellwood and Pilgrim (1985) noted that there are four major traditions in Shinto. The priests will wear clothes with a flat shaku held in their hand and sweep the evergreen branch or sprinkle salt to purify the pollutions with the kami present. Then, the offering without reservation is essential in Shintoism. Offerings can be food, for example vegetables, rice or clothing. Then the priest will slowly pass or place the offerings on the eight-legged table. Then the priests will recite the Norito (prayer) to appreciate the help of the kami for the benefit they have received and to ask for continued harvests and well-being. Additionally, various matsuri (festivals) and carnivals will take place at the shrine site. For example, kagura (dance) will be performed by female miko to entertain the kami. The shrines are the place of rituals and individual worship, which is also the place of accommodation of the kami. Visitors will toss a coin into the offering box, then ring the bell twice, followed by two bows and prayer after clapping twice at the altar. (Japan National Tourism Office, nd). There are four stages in the development of Shintoism. Early Shintoism (5th-6th centuries) was initially autonomous and disorganized around family lines until the power of the imperial family overtook other families, they unified customs and there was no still no name for the religion and its traditions. However, with the influx of Chinese culture in the mid-6th century, Buddhism and Confucianism were introduced to Japan. In order to differentiate the Japanese from exotic religions, the Japanese referred to the Chinese words shentao to form the word Shinto. This is the time when Shinto began to conceptualize its belief (Earhart, 2004, p.31). From the 6th to the 13th century, the stage of medieval Shintoism appears. The influence of Buddhism was flourishing, even emperors or nobility widely promoted Buddhism and monopolized the central court and institutions. Shintoism has been eclipsed and can only be practiced in rural areas. Then, state Shintoism emerged during the Meji Restoration (1868-1945). Reformers argued that the emperor was the emblem of God and that the prior should restore the emperor as head of state. Thus, Shintoism is used to advocate the worship of the emperor and has restored its sovereignty and support in the government while Buddhism has been demoted and ejected from the shrines. Later, after the end of World War II (1947), the Allied occupation forces officially rejected State Shintoism and Shintoism. is practiced./