When Shinto Became a “Religion"

The video explores Shinto as a cultural and religious practice in Japan, highlighting its historical evolution and significance. It discusses the impact of Western influence, the Meiji Restoration, and the formation of State Shinto. The video also examines post-war changes, controversies, and modern implications of Shinto in Japanese politics and society.

How does the scholar Oh no so Co describe Shinto?

• As a political ideology

• As a form of entertainment

• As a strict religious faith

• As an amalgam of attitudes, ideas, and ways of doing things

What was one of the challenges Japan faced when Western powers introduced the concept of religion?

• Lack of interest in Western ideas

• Resistance to technological advancements

• Difficulty in translating Western religious concepts

• Overwhelming support for Western religions

What was a significant outcome of the Meiji Restoration concerning religion?

• The introduction of Christianity as the state religion

• The abolition of all religious practices

• The merging of Shinto and Buddhism

• The separation of Shinto and Buddhism

How did the Meiji government categorize Buddhism?

• As a superstition

• As a non-religion

• As a state religion

• As a private faith separated from the public sphere

What was the impact of the Meiji Restoration on the emperor's role?

• The emperor's role was diminished

• The emperor became a symbolic figure

• The emperor was reinstated as the head of a centralized state

• The emperor was removed from power

What was the primary purpose of forming State Shinto during the Meiji period?

• To promote Buddhism

• To eliminate all religious practices

• To establish a new form of government

• To conduct non-religious rituals for the emperor and nation

What was a key feature of State Shinto's influence on education?

• Promoting international studies

• Incorporating Shinto mythology into school history classes

• Eliminating religious education

• Teaching Western history

What was the Shinto directive's impact on Shinto shrines after World War II?

• They were converted into museums

• They were all destroyed

• They were categorized as private religious institutions

• They became state-owned properties

What controversy surrounds the Yasukuni Shrine?

• It was destroyed during World War II

• It is a popular tourist attraction

• It enshrines Class A war criminals

• It is a site for Buddhist worship

What is a major question regarding government officials visiting the Yasukuni Shrine?

• Whether it is a historical landmark

• Whether it is a site for Buddhist worship

• Whether it is a popular tourist destination

• Whether it is a violation of the separation of church and state