Ancient Shinto masked dances of the Edo Festival Troupe, Tokyo, marked the resumption of Asia Society's Performing Arts Program in 1971. (Asia Society) In 1971, Asia Society renewed its Performing ...

Torii gates, the chrysanthemum crest, Ise Jingu—could they be institutional designs by the state rather than traces of an ...

Shinto is Japan’s oldest religion—an indigenous belief system that predates Buddhism (which, itself is deeply embedded in Japanese culture and belief). Shinto is a living religion, practiced by many ...

From Ancient Shinbutsu-shugo to the Sengoku Period, and the Birth of 'Funeral Buddhism'~1. Introduction: Why are 'Shinto' and 'Kami' not translated as 'God' in the English-speaking world?Today, due to ...

Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Membership today. Under the double-barred gateposts, by the entrance to the bow-backed bridge, a ...

TOKYO -- The Imperial Household Agency opened the grounds of the Daijokyu Halls, the site of a major ceremony for Emperor Naruhito's enthronement, to the public on Nov. 21. The complex is where ...

Ancient Greek altar unearthed at archeological site in Sicily Rice spirit ‘wins’ in sumo ritual as good harvest predicted on Japan island Kyoto’s Gion Festival begins; most events to be held in full ...

NOZAWAONSEN, Japan — Here in the foothills of the Japan Alps, a procession of villagers was moving through the frigid darkness, guided by a robed man holding a glowing paper lantern. On a night when ...

This page looks at the importance of purity in Shinto's understanding of good and evil. Purity is at the heart of Shinto's understanding of good and evil. Impurity in Shinto refers to anything which ...