Through the centuries, a variety of religions have been introduced to Japanese society. Although religion is not a central part of the Japanese way of life (many modern-day Japanese view themselves as atheist), there are two main predominant religions; Buddhism and Shinto.

Shinto
Shinto was the native inhabitants first religion – looking upon their gods (or Kami’s as they are called) as spiritual beings existing within nature; the weather, trees, rivers. Understanding that not everything is perfect and that good and evil do exist, Shinto literally means “the way of the Gods”. [Read more...]