The principle of Shinto is the Japanese devotion to invisible

spiritual beings and powers called kami, to shrines, and to various rituals. Rituals are what bring human beings closer to the kami. Kami are not God or gods. They are spirits who want humans to be happy. Shinto means, Way of the Spirits. Shinto is focused on the land of Japan it is clearly an ethnic religion. Human beings are good, not sinful. Everything, including the spiritual, is experienced as part of this world. Shinto has no official scriptures. Shinto teaches important ethical principles but has no commandments. Shinto has no founder. Shinto has no God. Polytheistic religion (more than one God or Goddesses)

Shinto is based on belief in, and worship of Kami. Kami are close to human beings and respond to

human prayers. They can control the natural forces, and human events.

Amaterasu

(Amaterasu-Omikami)Usually translated as 'Sun Goddess', and the greatest of the kami. The kami of the Ise shrine, and the ancestor of the Imperial family.

Benten/Benzaiten

A female kami with Hindu origins, associated with music and the arts.

Ebisu

A kami who brings prosperity. Originally the abandoned leech-child of Izanami and Izanagi.

Hachiman

The god of archery and war.

Izanami - Izanagi

The two kami who gave birth to Japan.

Impurity: The practice of cleansing ones own

peace of mind, rather than impurity being something bad. Purification: A purification ritual. Purifying of

oneself- to even purification of buildings and cars. Afterlife: Death is seen as impure with the purity

of Shinto shrines. Due to this, most japanese have Buddhist funerals, and cremation is common as well.