Etymology

Shinto, or "the way of the kami," has various meanings throughout Japanese history. Originating from Chinese characters shin (神) meaning spirit/god and tō (道) meaning way/road/path, it was used to distinguish indigenous Chinese religions from imported ones during the Han dynasty. In medieval Japan, kami-worship was considered part of Japanese Buddhism, with the kami often interpreted as Buddhas. Shinto became common in the 15th century and became popular in the 18th century. It replaced the term taikyō/great religion as the name for the Japanese state religion in the early 20th century. Shinto emphasizes rituals, purity, and respect for nature, reflecting the deep cultural and historical ties of the Japanese people to their environment and ancestors.