Shinto: A Japanese ReligionDiscover the Religious Meaning and Practices of Japanese ShintoismAs the ancient religion of Japan, Shintoism was originally a combination of nature worship, divination and shamanism techniques. Meaning "the way of the gods", the origins of Shintoism are not apparent compared to other religions, particularly other Asian religions and beliefs. With no obvious founder, as well as original written scriptures and authentic laws, a number of theories exist about the origin of Shinto as a religion and its development throughout Japanese lands. However, the importance of religion has shifted the importance of discovering one's origins to the religious influences that Shintoism instilled in Japanese society. Beneath the surface, many beliefs and ways of thinking created by the Shinto religion are deeply woven into the fabric of modern Japanese society and, beyond that, into today's contemporary world. Although its strength as a religion is not as apparent in today's society, the set of rituals and methods envisaged and created by Shinto have implicitly remained a part of Japanese religion and culture, which have even been adopted by other religions. Distant from other religions such as Buddhism and Confucianism, Shinto developed its own traditions and customs during its creation as a form of worship. While Shintoism has slowly disintegrated due to the popular growth of other religions in Asia, the religion itself has several sacred elements, although some are now hidden in their traditions and monuments. While the religious aspect of Shinto has transformed over the centuries, this article will examine that the original importance of Shinto remains the same and that many of the...... middle of article.... .., “The way of the kami”, illustrates the entire Japanese religion. As the religion continues to transform even today, the traditions and monuments of the Shinto religion are of great importance to all Shinto believers. Religion remains a central aspect of the Shinto faith, even in modern times.BibliographyClass NotesCook, John. “Correspondence course notes on world religions: part 2”. (Queen's University, Ontario: 2006). Internet “Guide to Japanese Shinto Shrines”. 2001. http://www.onmarkproductions.com/html/shrine-guide.shtml. “Sacred spaces in Shintoism”. Teaching comparative religion through art and architecture. 2000.http://ias.berkeley.edu/orias/visuals/japan_visuals/shinto.HTM.Watt, Paul. “Shinto and Buddhism: sources of Japanese spirituality”. 1996. Pg. http://www.askasia.org/frclasrm/readings/r000009.htm.